ARA Consumer Confidence Index Jumps to Record Levels Following the Ceasefire

ARA Research & Consultancy released its Consumer Confidence Index for the State of Kuwait for April 2026, sponsored by Lexus.

With the ceasefire taking effect on  April 8, optimism prevailed among both Kuwaitis and residents, and the ARA Consumer Confidence Index jumped to levels not recorded since 2013. The index reached 126 points at the end of April, increasing by 14 points within a month. All six indexes composing the General Index increased. Notably, the economic indexes recorded their highest levels ever, since the establishment of the index in 2007.

ARA analysts believe that these record increases are not merely a reaction to the ceasefire, but rather reflect a broader belief that the region is heading toward positive changes following the end of the war. This war, whose burdens have weighed on the region for decades, is now ending in a way that opens the horizons to greater stability and more reasonable international and regional relations. ARA analysts add that the index did not decline throughout the war period; on the contrary, it maintained a positive outlook for the future. As the proverb says, “What does not kill you, makes you stronger.”

The General Index recorded the largest increase among Arab residents, increasing by 22 points and restoring their confidence to last year’s levels. It also increased by 6 points among Kuwaitis. Similarly, the index rose by 15 points among males and by 12 points among females.

Current Economic Situation Index Maintains Record Levels

The Current Economic Situation Index continued its upward trend for the third consecutive month, recording 120 points; its highest level since the establishment of the index more than twenty years ago. The index corrected its levels among Kuwaitis after a series of increases, decreasing by 7 points, while it increased by 8 points among Arab residents. The index also rose by 1 point among both women and men at the end of April.

Thus, the wide gap recorded in the index levels in recent months between Kuwaitis and residents, has narrowed.

There is no doubt that the various economic indicators have demonstrated Kuwait’s strength and its ability to face challenges on different fronts. It is worth noting the increase in trading volumes and values on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, reflecting firmly rooted confidence among the various segments of society.

Current Personal Income Index Records a Slight Increase

The Current Personal Income Index recorded 107 points, increasing by 2 points at the end of April. The indexes have corrected their disparities. After a series of increases, the Current Personal Income Index among citizens declined sharply by 27 points, while it increased significantly among Arab residents by 27 points, compensating for the major losses recorded with the beginning of the year. A similar corrective path was observed between men and women; the index declined by 10 points among women, while it increased by 10 points among men.

Unprecedented Level in the Expected Economic Situation Index

The Expected Economic Situation Index recorded 127 points; its highest level since the establishment of the index in 2007. The index increased by 17 points among Kuwaitis and by 14 points among Arab residents, reflecting a broad shift in the economic outlook following the end of the war, across different segments of society. It also rose by 19 points among women and by 14 points among men.

Expected Personal Income Index Records Its Highest Level in Years

In line with the optimism in future conditions, the Expected Personal Income Index increased by 5 points, recording 116 points; its highest level since February 2011. Optimism was evident across all segments. The index increased by 6 points among citizens and by 4 points among Arab residents, and by 4 points among men and 7 points among women.

Willingness to Purchase Durable Goods Jumps to High Levels

Within this positive climate, driven particularly by optimistic expectations regarding the future economic situation and expected personal income, it was natural for the Purchase of Durable Goods Index to witness a major increase, after consecutive losses following the outbreak of war in the region. The Purchase of Durable Goods Index recorded 133 points, increasing by 34 points within April; its highest level since July 2022.

The index increased among both Kuwaitis and Arab residents by 28 points and 37 points respectively, and among men and women by 31 points and 33 points respectively.

Employment Opportunities Index Records a Decade High

The Employment Opportunities Index compensated in April for all the losses sustained at the beginning of the war; jumping by 76 points, to record its highest level since March 2015 and reaching 207 points. The largest increase was recorded among Arab residents, where the index increased by 110 points, after having recorded low levels in recent months. The index also rose by 56 points among Kuwaitis. A particularly strong increase was recorded among men, with 84 points, and among women, with 60 points.

Lexus Achieves Record Global Growth,

Unveils Bold Five-Year Roadmap Toward Full Electrification

Following a landmark year of record-breaking performance, Lexus today reaffirms its commitment to leading the luxury mobility sector through a transformative evolution. With a focus on the "Lexus Electrified" vision, the brand is accelerating its transition toward becoming a 100% Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) brand globally by 2035.

Unprecedented Sales Success and Global Momentum

Lexus has reached a new pinnacle in its 35-year history. In 2024, the brand achieved an all-time global sales record of 851,214 units, a 3% increase over the previous year. This momentum surged into 2025, with sales growing by an additional 7.1%.

The brand’s success has been driven by a diversified "Multi-Pathway" strategy, meeting diverse customer needs across regions:

• North America & Europe: These regions saw record highs, with Europe reporting a staggering 20% growth.
• Electrified Dominance: Electrified models now account for nearly 50% of global Lexus sales. In Western Europe, this ratio has reached an incredible 99%.
• Core Model Strength: The success of the all-new compact LBX and the flagship LM, alongside the perennially popular RX and NX hybrids, has solidified Lexus's market-leading position.

The next five years represent the most critical phase in the Lexus evolution. By 2030, Lexus aims to offer a full lineup of BEVs across all categories, with the goal of reaching 100% BEV sales in Europe, North America, and China.

"We are not just changing the powertrain; we are reshaping the future of mobility," said Lexus International President Takashi Watanabe. "Through innovative engineering at our new Technical Center Shimoyama, we are crafting vehicles that are both environmentally conscious and exhilarating to drive."

Innovation: The Lexus Driving Signature

At the heart of this evolution is the Lexus Driving Signature. Future EVs will leverage proprietary technologies like DIRECT4 (all-wheel-drive force control) and Steer-by-Wire to provide a linear, intuitive connection between driver and machine. By integrating hardware and software through Arene OS, Lexus will offer personalized driving experiences that evolve with the owner over time.