Metro-area consumer confidence up a bit

Despite renewed worries about the cost of gasoline and groceries, consumer confidence in the metropolitan area increased last month, according to a new poll.

However, the confidence index from the Siena College Research Institute remains far below pre-recession levels.

Siena Wednesday reported its index for Long Island, New York City and its northern suburbs was 67.9 in December, a jump of 4.3 points from a month earlier.

Statewide, the index climbed 5.1 points to 67.3.

In November, the confidence index also rose, month over month, for the metropolitan area and statewide.

Area residents are more optimistic about their financial well-being in the near term and the long term, a repeat of November's performance. Still, index readings below 75 indicate the number of people worried about their future exceeds those who are optimistic.

"Current confidence is . . . still well below the point at which optimism outweighs pessimism," said Siena pollster Donald Levy. "While New Yorkers may feel better than they did a few months ago, they remain hesitant to make major purchases."

The buying plans of residents statewide are lower than at this time last year. When asked about big-ticket purchases in the next six months, consumers said they were less likely to buy an automobile, computer or home or start a major home-improvement project. However, slightly more people said they planned to buy furniture.

At the Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa Wednesday, some shoppers said they planned to spend less in coming months after splurging for holiday gifts for children and grandchildren.

"I overdid it for Christmas, so now I'm only buying if it's on sale," said Stephanie Walsh, a retiree from Amityville. "I really need a new dining room set, but that will have to wait for a while."

Big-ticket items New York State residents said they plan to purchase in the next six months:

Car or truck: 8.1 percent, down 1.1 percentage points from December 2010

Computer: 15.7 percent, down 0.6 points

Furniture: 17.5 percent, up 0.5 points

Home: 3 percent, down 1.5 points

Major home improvement: 13.2 percent, down 1.3 points

Source: Siena College Research Institute