The Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rating rose 4.2 points in April from late March to 97.6 points, but was still down slightly from a year ago.

Survey respondents were less worried about 2009 with 59% (down 5%) expecting "˜bad times' economically through the next 12 months, while 23% (up 2%) expected "˜good times.'

The proportion of those expecting good times over the next five years rose 5% to 48%, the highest level since December last year, the Roy Morgan survey showed.

51% (up 3%) expected to be "˜better off' financially in a year's time, while 25% (down 1%) expected to be "˜worse off' financially in a year's time. 44% (up 2%) said their family was financially "˜worse off' than a year ago, while 25% (down 1%) said their family was better off financially.

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