BEIJING - Chinese consumers remained optimistic despite an overall drop in consumer confidence in the second quarter of this year, according to a report released by The Nielsen Company, a leading market research firm, Tuesday.

The consumer confidence index fell 3 points from the previous quarter to land on 105 in the second quarter, said the report, based on a survey of more than 3,500 Chinese consumers.

The firm's latest report shows that global consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in six quarters, down 3 points from the previous quarter's 92 points.

A consumer confidence index above 100 points indicates that consumers are optimistic, while a score below 100 signals pessimism.

According to the report, consumer confidence in China's big cities is mostly stable. The scores in Guangzhou and Beijing rose by 3 points and 1 point, respectively, from the previous quarter, and the reading in Shanghai stayed the same.

The readings in China's rural areas dropped by 4 points, but remained around 109 points, the report said.

According to the survey taken across China, income is the primary concern of Chinese consumers, with concerns about health and rising food prices coming in second and third, respectively.