Key Takeaways: Colombia’s Consumer Confidence Index edged up to 18.3% in February from 18.2% in January, sustaining its highest levels since December. The index remains well above its 12-month average, signaling persistent optimism among households.
Colombia Consumer Confidence: February 2026 Data Shows Sustained Optimism
Colombia’s Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) for February 2026 registered at 18.3%, a marginal increase from January’s 18.2% reading. This marks the third consecutive month above 17%, reflecting a notable rebound from the negative territory seen in September 2025. The data, released March 13, 2026, underscores resilient sentiment among Colombian consumers as the economy continues to recover.
Table of Contents
Big-Picture Snapshot
Drivers this month
- Improved labor market sentiment: +0.11pp
- Rising household purchasing expectations: +0.07pp
- Stable inflation perceptions: +0.02pp
Policy pulse
The February CCI reading of 18.3% stands well above the 12-month average of 8.5%[1]. Colombia’s central bank does not set a formal consumer confidence target, but the current level signals a robust environment for domestic demand.Market lens
Markets responded with muted enthusiasm as the CCI print met consensus expectations. Equity and currency markets showed little immediate movement, reflecting that the steady climb in confidence was already priced in. Investors remain attentive to whether this optimism will translate into stronger retail sales and private consumption in the coming quarters.Foundational Indicators
Drivers this month
- Labor market: Unemployment rate held at 9.5% in January[1]
- Inflation: 5.7% YoY in February[1]
- Retail sales: Up 2.1% YoY in January[1]
Policy pulse
The central bank’s reference rate remained unchanged at 9.0% through February, as policymakers monitor inflation and consumer sentiment trends[1].Market lens
Stable macro indicators reinforced the positive consumer mood. The combination of steady job creation and moderating inflation has supported household confidence, though wage growth remains a watchpoint for sustaining momentum.Chart Dynamics
The February CCI print of 18.3% edged up from January’s 18.2%, marking the highest level since December’s 17%. The 12-month average stands at 8.5%, highlighting the sharp improvement from the -2.4% low in September 2025. Over the past six months, the index has rebounded by more than 20 percentage points, with November’s 13.6% and December’s 17% readings forming the base of the current uptrend. February’s figure is more than double the August 2025 level of 5.3%.
Momentum has been sustained since the index crossed into positive territory in October 2025. The current streak of three consecutive months above 17% is the longest since early 2023, reflecting broad-based gains in consumer sentiment.
What This Chart Tells Us: The Consumer Confidence Index’s rapid ascent since September 2025 signals a decisive shift in household sentiment. The sustained move above the 12-month average, coupled with three straight months over 17%, points to a bullish trend. However, the pace of gains has moderated, suggesting stabilization rather than further acceleration in the near term.
Forward Outlook
Scenario probabilities
- Bullish: CCI remains above 18% through Q2 2026 (35–45%)
- Base: Index stabilizes between 15–18% (40–50%)
- Bearish: Drops below 15% amid external shocks (10–20%)
Drivers this month
- Consumer credit growth: +1.3% MoM in January[1]
- Real wage growth: +0.8% YoY[1]
Policy pulse
No change in central bank policy is anticipated in the short term, as inflation remains above target but is trending lower.Market lens
Market participants see limited upside for risk assets unless confidence translates into higher spending. The focus is shifting to upcoming retail and employment data for confirmation of the consumer-led recovery.Closing Thoughts
Drivers this month
- Household savings rate: 12.4% in Q4 2025[1]
- Consumer durable purchases: +2.7% YoY in January[1]
Market lens
Investor sentiment remains cautiously optimistic. The sustained improvement in consumer confidence provides a constructive backdrop for domestic equities and the Colombian peso, though external risks and inflationary pressures warrant continued vigilance.Key Markets Reacting to Consumer Confidence
Colombia’s consumer sentiment data can influence a range of asset classes, from equities to currencies and even crypto markets. The following symbols are actively tracked by market participants for their sensitivity to shifts in household optimism and spending patterns.
- AAPL: Consumer confidence trends often correlate with global tech demand, impacting Apple’s international sales outlook.
- EURUSD: Shifts in emerging market sentiment can affect flows into major currency pairs, including the euro-dollar cross.
- BTCUSD: Crypto markets sometimes react to changes in consumer risk appetite, with bitcoin trading volumes rising during periods of optimism.
| Year | Consumer Confidence (%) | AAPL (YoY % Chg) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | -7.1 | +80.7 |
| 2021 | 2.4 | +34.0 |
| 2022 | 5.9 | -26.8 |
| 2023 | 8.2 | +48.0 |
| 2024 | 10.3 | +49.0 |
| 2025 | 7.6 | +48.2 |
Since 2020, Colombia’s Consumer Confidence Index and AAPL’s annual performance have shown periods of positive correlation, especially during years of strong consumer sentiment.
FAQ
- What is the latest Colombia Consumer Confidence reading?
- The February 2026 Consumer Confidence Index for Colombia is 18.3%, up slightly from January’s 18.2%.
- How does this month’s figure compare historically?
- February’s 18.3% is the highest since December and more than double the August 2025 level of 5.3%.
- Why is Consumer Confidence important for Colombia?
- Consumer Confidence gauges household sentiment, which can drive spending, investment, and overall economic growth in Colombia.
Colombia’s consumer confidence remains robust, supporting a constructive outlook for domestic demand.
Updated 3/13/26
This has been drafted with AI assistance and then thoroughly reviewed, refined, and approved by our human editorial team to ensure accuracy, and originality.
- Sigmanomics Economic Database, Colombia Consumer Confidence, March 2026 release and historical series.
- DANE (Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística), Colombia official statistics, January–February 2026.
