ARA Consumer Confidence Index Remains Stable in March Despite the Regional War

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

Despite the war that extended throughout March, ARA Consumer Confidence Index maintained the level recorded at the end of February, remaining stable at 112 points. It is noted that the General Index had increased during the early days of the war, which was expected to end within a few days. However, its continuation did not affect the confidence of Kuwaitis. On the contrary, the index rose by 1 point among Kuwaitis, while it dropped by 2 points among Arab residents. It also increased by 1 point among men, while it decreased by 1 point among women.

The sub-indexes composing the General Index showed mixed results, with slight fluctuations. ARA analysts attribute the stability of the results to the continued confidence of Kuwait’s population, both citizens and Arab residents, despite the prolonged and dangerous nature of the war (the survey was conducted between 25 and 31 March, i.e. before reaching the two weeks ceasefire agreement). This reflects the success of the state in instilling a sense of reassurance and stability despite the threats and risks surrounding the security conditions during March.

Record Increase in the Current Economic Situation Index

The Current Economic Situation Index continued its upward trend for the second consecutive month, reaching 119 points, its highest level since the establishment of the index more than twenty years ago. The largest increase was recorded among Kuwaitis, who added 9 points, while it decreased by 3 points among Arab residents. The index also rose by 4 points among women, versus a 1-point increase among men.

ARA analysts note that the significant difference in confidence in the current economic situation between citizens and Arab residents, and the notable increase of the index among citizens, likely reflects the impact of the increase in oil prices in Kuwait by approximately 15 percent within one month.

Decline in the Expected Economic Situation Index

The Expected Economic Situation Index recorded 111 points, retracting by 4 points at the end of March. This may be due to expectations that oil prices may not remain at elevated levels. The index declined by 6 points among Kuwaitis and by 5 points among Arab residents. The largest decrease was among women, at 13 points, while it remained unchanged among men.

Current and Expected Personal Income Indexes Maintain Their Levels

The Current Personal Income Index recorded 105 points, decreasing by 1 point at the end of March. However, this overall result masks a significant divergence in confidence levels between Kuwaitis and Arab residents. The index increased by 10 points among citizens, while it decreased sharply by 18 points among Arab residents, reaching low levels. Moreover, it declined by 8 points among men and rose by 8 points among women.

As for the Expected Personal Income Index, it maintained the level recorded in the previous month, closing March at 111 points. Results in this case did not vary significantly across respondent groups. The index decreased by 2 points among Kuwaitis, while it increased by 2 points among Arab residents. It also rose by 1 point among women and remained unchanged among men.

Employment Opportunities Index Loses Part of Its Previous Gains

The Employment Opportunities Index decreased by 11 points in March following the major increase recorded in the previous month, reaching 131 points. The decline was particularly notable among women, where it dropped by 24 points, and among Kuwaitis, where it decreased by 29 points. Meanwhile, it continued its upward trend since the beginning of the year among Arab residents, adding 18 points in March.

Purchase of Durable Goods Index Recovers Part of Its Losses

After the sharp decline in the willingness to purchase durable goods at the beginning of the war in the region, the Purchase of Durable Goods Index recovered, and recorded 99 points, with an increase of 20 points within March, despite the continuation of the war.

The index increased among both Kuwaitis and Arab residents by 20 points and 22 points respectively, and among men and women by 29 points and 7 points respectively.

ALSAYER and Lexus Debut the New IS350 with Refined Performance and Design

• Delivers exhilarating driving experience that strengthens dialogue between driver and car
• Evolves aggressive and sporty interior and exterior design with a sharper, more focused character
• Advanced Lexus Safety System + and renewed multimedia system deliver greater safety, peace of mind, and everyday convenience

Mohamed Naser Al Sayer & Sons Est. Co. W.L.L and Lexus announce the arrival of the new IS in Kuwait, marking the latest evolution of the compact front-engine, rear-wheel-drive (FR) sports sedan that has pursued the joy of driving since the first-generation model debuted in 1999. Widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Lexus driving experience, the IS continues to earn praise for its excellent performance and sporty design, while extensive worldwide testing, including at the Technical Center Shimoyama, continues to refine the unique “Lexus Driving Signature.”

In this update with the launch of the new IS350, the key development theme is “maturation.”

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