Consumer confidence has edged higher this month but remains close to record lows.
The long-running consumer confidence index by research group GfK ticked up to minus 44 from minus 47 in October and minus 49 in September.
It stood at a better – but still gloomy – minus 14 a year ago.
The consumer confidence index by research group GfK ticked up to minus 44 from minus 47 in October and minus 49 in September
Analysts said that while the rise from September’s lows was welcome there was little to celebrate.
Joe Staton, at GfK, said: ‘This month’s fillip is likely to reflect nothing more than a collective sigh of relief as a new prime minister takes charge.
External factors have changed little and, with UK inflation recently hitting a new high, more bad news is inevitable.
‘Consumers are looking for a festive cocktail of certainty and optimism not this mishmash of austerity and pessimism.
Good news remains in short supply as many people struggle during this protracted and painful cost-of-living crisis.’
