Consumer confidence rises in January
Consumer confidence in the UK rose in January as more people were willing to undertake major purchases, a survey from GfK NOP has revealed.
The market research firm’s headline consumer confidence index rose three points to -26 from -29 in December 2012.
Nick Moon, managing director of Social Research at GfK, said: “There’s a definite note of optimism in these findings, with clear changes in how people view the general economic situation in the past year and looking to the coming 12 months. More importantly, it looks as if there has been some good news for retailers this month with people more willing to make major purchases compared to December last year.”
The measure for consumers’ appetite to make big purchases was the highest since January 2012 at -22 while the measure for consumers’ expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months increased six points to -25.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The forecast for personal finances over the next twelve months was -seven; the same as December 2012 and two points higher than January 2012.
Moon added: “It’s worth noting however that people’s views of their own financial situation aren’t as optimistic, with no improvement expected in the next 12 months, and a drop of two places over last year’s personal financial situation. This suggests it is too soon to say if more positive views on the general economy mark the start of sustained rise in the Index. Indeed, the continuing gloom from the high street and the talk of triple-dip recession makes that seem somewhat unlikely, but a rise in two months out of the last three is an encouraging sign.”
GfK polled 2,000 Britons between 4 January and 13 January on behalf of the European Commission.
