UK consumer confidence unchanged due to uncertain economic situation
UK consumers were no more positive in July than in the previous month as they wait to see what happens to the economic situation over the next 12 months, according to GfK NOP figures released today.
Overall UK consumer confidence remained at -25 – a very low level historically – but is nonetheless 14 points higher than in July 2008. Confidence in personal finances over the next 12 months dipped one point to zero, while confidence in the general economic situation over the next year remained at -8, 44 points higher than this time last year.
The climate for major purchases has improved by one point to -25 but consumers still appear cautious about their bank balance. The “now is a good time to save” index rose three points to -12.
Rachael Joy at GfK NOP said: “While consumers’ perception of finances – both personal and general – over the coming 12 months is significantly higher than this time last year, the lack of major movement in any of the ratings suggests that consumers are holding steady and waiting to see what happens.”