29-02-2008
Survey shows decline in consumer confidence
News by Adfero for Simply Business - independent providers of public liability insurance, business finance, landlord insurance, buy-to-let mortgages & commercial mortgages.
Consumer confidence in the UK has fallen to a new low.
The results of a new survey by GfK/NOP show that confidence levels among consumers have fallen to a low not seen for nine years. Specifically, the organisation's confidence index dropped to -17 in February, compared with last month's reading of -13.
"This month's drop ... comes in spite of the cut in interest rates earlier this month," said Rachael Joy, a representative for GfK/NOP. "Consumers are feeling a little less confident about their own personal finances and much less confident about the general economy as a whole."
February's levels contrasts with the same point in 2007, when consumer confidence was at a rate of -8. GfK/NOP conducted the survey, with the participation of 2,000 individuals, between February 8th and February 17th.
The Bank of England's monetary policy committee will its next interest rate decision on March 6th.