Markets / DATA & RESEARCH / Jan.31

Consumer confidence improves in January

Big-ticket index also shows monthly improvement

Consumers confidence is at its highest level since last June, according to research consultancy GfK NOP.

Its monthly index of civilian sentiment rose 4 points to -29 between December and January, which the analyst put down to falling inflation.

The big-ticket index - which measures consumer propensity to go and spend on expensive non-essentials such as furniture - was also up, to -22.

Though positive on a month to month basis, the deficit index scores highlight how far confidence has to go. GfK NOP's Nick Moon said the consumer remains depressed, and until we see further improvement in the months ahead should view January's uptick as good, but not great news.

Related Stories

• Fear prevents one in four from buying furniture