Confidence in Bermuda’s economy is marginally up, according to a poll commissioned by The Royal Gazette.

The Global Research survey this month found 30 per cent of people had faith in the direction the economy was heading — up from 25 per cent three months ago, but still short of the 36 per cent achieved last December.

In keeping with trends from previous polls, those most likely to be happiest with the economy were whites (51 per cent, compared with 15 per cent of blacks), men (34 per cent, compared with 26 per cent of women) and people aged over 65 (44 per cent, compared with 14 per cent of those aged between 18 and 34). The economy also retained its place as the leading issue facing Bermuda. Some 53 per cent of people named the economy or unemployment as the island’s top concern, down from 58 per cent in March.

Education (14 per cent), crime (12 per cent) and racism (6 per cent) retained second, third and fourth positions, respectively.

The telephone survey of 402 registered voters took place between September 6 and 12, and has a margin of error of +/- 5 per cent.

Yesterday, this newspaper reported how, last year, Bermuda experienced inflation-adjusted growth for the first time since 2008 thanks to expansion in international business and retail.