Consumer confidence climbs but remains at record low

GfK’s consumer confidence index increased by just 2 points to minus 42 in December compared with November. This represents a record eighth month in a row that the measure of financial optimism gave a reading of -40 or worse on an index where a minus score represents negative confidence. Britons’ confidence in their personal finances is at the lowest level on record

Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director, GfK said “December marks the eighth month in a row in which the Index has bumped along at -40 or worse, the first time this has happened since our records began nearly 50 years ago. Despite the latest GDP figures showing slight growth in October, the warning is of a tough road ahead and that the UK is not out of the recessionary woods. Real wages are falling as inflation continues to bite hard, further straining the discretionary budget of many households as we enter the last few shopping days before Christmas. The outlook for our personal financial situation over the next 12 months – perhaps the key metric as we enter a new year – is stuck at -29. And concerns about our economic future remain acute. As we enter the festive season, the Overall Index Score is still depressed and, with scant seasonal joy at present and no immediate prospect of fiscal good news, it is unlikely we will see a rebound in confidence anytime soon.”