BRASILIA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The index of fear over unemployment in Brazil fell 10.7 percentage points from September's 65.7 percent to December's 55 percent in 2018, according to a survey released Thursday by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI).

It is the largest index decrease since its beginning in May 1996. The second largest, 8.1 points, occurred in May 2009 and October 1997, respectively.

"The positive result reflects the optimism and confidence that the majority of the population puts in the new government, and also the growing perception of overcoming the economic crisis, economic growth and the decrease in unemployment," the CNI said.

Fear of unemployment fell in all parts of the country, with the highest decrease of 16.9 percentage points observed in the southern region between September and December in 2018.

Fear of unemployment also fell among Brazilians with higher household incomes.