India has topped ACNielsen’s 46-country Consumer Confidence Index for the fourth half in a row with an all time high score of 137, showing that consumers here remain bullish about the economy despite a volatile market.

“There is no doubt that India is riding the crest of an economic wave,” said Sarang Panchal of ACNielsen’s South Asia office. “Recording the highest confidence index once again reaffirms the solid performance of the market in terms of economic growth, job prospects and the booming young adult population.”

At second and third places are Norway (134) and Denmark (129). Other markets worth watching are Vietnam — which recorded double-digit rise in its index from 106 in June last to 116 this time — and Thailand (107), representing the greatest increase of 12 points from its last score, the survey firm said.

The study shows that Indians are exceedingly bullish about the job market with 95 per cent rating it excellent or good, as well as the state of their personal finances.

On the other hand, the world’s least optimistic markets hail mostly from Europe, though South Korea (with an index of 56) remains at the bottom of the list.

Across Asia-Pacific, Japan and Taiwan are among the least optimistic, recording an index of 71 and 80,

respectively. While confidence has sustained globally, consumers across the globe continue to cite the economy (39 per cent), health (34 per cent) and job security (32 per cent) as their major concerns over the next six months, although concern for the economy and health has declined moderately since the first half of 2006.

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