Immigration and terrorism worries weigh on UK consumer confidence
Consumer confidence in the UK has dropped for the first time since 2013, according to survey figures published this morning.
Market researchers Nielsen said its consumer confidence index fell to a score of 101 in the final three months of 2015.
Concerns over immigration and terrorism had a negative impact. However, consumers are upbeat on the economy, with shoppers at their most positive about making purchases in the 10 years since the survey began.
“Consumer concerns about terrorism and immigration have risen considerably. We’re closely watching for any effects these demographic and political issues may eventually have on consumer spending,” said Nielsen UK and Ireland managing director Steve Smith. “In general, it is big and unexpected events that are likely to be the most disruptive for consumers.”
Nielsen’s survey, which gauged the views of just over 500 people from the UK and over 30,000 globally, put UK consumers as some of the most confident in Europe, second only to Denmark. India had the highest score globally.