Here’s where the UK ranks among the world’s happiest economies March 3, 2015 While many in the UK are still waiting to see a real increase in their living standards after years of stagnating wages, mediocre growth and high taxes things may not be as dreary as they seem. According to Bloomberg's misery index the UK is one of best economies in the world. With plummeting unemployment and [...]
Surveys reveal UK consumers are optimistic on the economy February 26, 2015 CONSUMER confidence is at pre-recession levels, new figures show. The consumer confidence index released today by German market research company GFK maintained a score of one for February. At the peak of the financial crisis, the index hit minus 40, but is now at levels last seen in 2005. Another measure of consumer confidence released [...]
Confident shoppers boost economic growth hopes January 29, 2015 UK CONSUMER confidence saw a large jump in January, in a renewed sign that the economic recovery will continue strongly into 2015. Retail sales also grew strongly in the month, according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), indicating consumers are increasingly upbeat. The consumer confidence index compiled by market researchers GfK reached a score [...]
German shoppers and investors start 2015 in a confident mood January 28, 2015 GERMAN consumer confidence has reached its highest level for 13 years, new data shows. The forward-looking consumer confidence index compiled by market researchers GfK edged up to a score of 9.3 for February 2015, according to figures released yesterday. That is up from January’s score of nine. GfK said “significant increases were recorded in both [...]
Consumer confidence edges down from its soaring highs December 18, 2014 CONFIDENCE among UK consumers has dipped in December, according to two new sets of survey data. The GFK consumer confidence index published today dropped to minus four in December from minus two in November, according to figures released by the eponymous market research firm. However, it was minus 13 a year ago and near minus [...]
UK shoppers more upbeat than their European counterparts November 27, 2014 UK CONSUMERS are feeling confident in the run up to Christmas and the New Year, survey data released today shows. The consumer confidence barometer released by market research firm GFK yesterday stayed at minus two in November. Despite the fact the figure is negative, it does not signify a decline. The figure also marks an [...]
UK consumer confidence dips but stays high October 30, 2014 Confidence among the UK’s shoppers remains at high levels that are consistent with a strong economy despite falling marginally in October. The confidence index produced by market research firm GfK fell by one point from September to October and now sits at minus two, according to survey results released today. At the peak of financial [...]
Surge in consumer confidence is slowed by poor wage growth September 29, 2014 THE RECOVERY in British consumer confidence has slowed down, GfK’s monthly survey showed yesterday, despite strong economic growth. Analysts believe poor wage growth and sustained inflation are to blame. GfK’s index surged up from sustained lows of minus 13 at the end of last year to plus one last month – well above the study’s long-run [...]
It’s official: German GDP contracted 0.2 per cent in the second quarter September 1, 2014 More bad news for the Eurozone: the German economy contracted during the second quarter of the year, the country's Federal Statistics Office confirmed today. The figures confirmed preliminary estimates, which suggested GDP shrank 0.2 per cent in the second quarter, after 0.7 per cent growth in the first quarter. Compared with the same period in [...]
Confident consumers to drive growth into autumn August 28, 2014 Confidence in the UK economy climbed again this month, with one major index hitting the highest level in nearly a decade, a positive signal for growth in the rest of 2014. GfK’s consumer confidence index rose back into positive territory this month, rising to one – the survey has only risen into positive territory once [...]