Why we should be cautious about rising business confidence April 30, 2024 A number of surveys have said that business confidence in the UK is on the up and the economy is set to rebound. But dig a little deeper, the news might not quite be as rosy as it sounds, Chris Dorrell writes
Business confidence rebounds to eight year high following dip in June July 31, 2024 Business confidence rebounded sharply in July, a survey revealed, as firms felt a renewed sense of optimism about the UK’s economic prospects. Overall business confidence jumped by nine points to 50 per cent this month, according to Lloyds’ Business Barometer. The rebound in confidence during July brought business confidence back up to May’s level, which [...]
Consumer confidence unchanged in August despite worsening outlook August 23, 2024 Consumer confidence remained unchanged in August, a closely watched survey suggested, despite a deterioration in households’ expectations for the broader economy. GfK’s overall consumer confidence index remained at -13 with an improving picture on the personal finance side helping to offset worsening confidence in the economy as a whole. This meant overall consumer confidence remained [...]
Retail footfall down for twelfth consecutive month – but spending surge on the horizon August 2, 2024 Figures for retail footfall in the UK fell for a twelfth consecutive month as shoppers opted to spend on holidays and leisure rather than consumer goods.
Retail sales slump despite higher real wages July 19, 2024 Retail sales fell faster than expected with department stores particularly badly hit.
The big unknown which will determine the short-term future of the economy October 1, 2024 Consumption has taken a much bigger hit in the UK since the pandemic than in either the eurozone or the US.
Retail sales blow past expectations in sign UK economy is on the turn June 21, 2024 UK retail sales rebounded last month, according to fresh data, after a rainy April saw a slump in high street spending.
Retail sales smash expectations despite a drop in consumer confidence September 20, 2024 Retail sales in the UK blew past expectations in August, climbing to their highest level since July 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales were up one per cent compared to the previous month, beating analysts’ predictions of a 0.4 per cent rise. The increase builds on July’s return to growth, which [...]
Has Labour overdone the doom and gloom? September 24, 2024 Many economists and City business groups have argued that this risks damaging growth. After all, why would households spend and businesses invest in a climate of fear?
Shop prices drop as retailers compete for consumers’ pounds July 28, 2021 Prices for products in shops dipped over the last year driven by strong competition between retailers to attract consumers, according to new figures released today. The British Retail Consortium and NielsenIQ’s latest shop price index shows prices in shops fell 1.2 per cent annually in July. Read more: UK inflation hits 2.5 per cent in [...]