UK consumer confidence in December hits lowest level since March - GfK
UK consumer confidence hit its lowest level since March this month, according to data out on Friday.
The consumer confidence index from market and consumer research group GfK fell two points to -4 in December after seven months of flat-lining within two points either side of -1.
GfK's social research managing director Nick Moon said: "The bad news for the government is that it has moved downward. The index is now at the lowest point it has been since March this year, though it must be remembered it is still significantly higher than it was two years ago this month when it stood at -29.”
The survey showed that respondents' view of their personal financial situation in the last 12 months improved slightly to -6 in December from -7 in November.
But their opinion of personal financial prospects in the next 12 months worsened to 1 in December from 2 in November.
Respondents' assessment of the UK's general economic situation in the last 12 months declined significantly to -10 in December from -6 in November.
Meanwhile, their impression of economic prospects in the next year fell to -5 this month from zero last month.
Mike van Dulken at Accendo Markets said the figures showed Britons were "increasingly worried about the economic outlook" despite strong November retail sales figures on Thursday.