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UK Consumer confidence plunges in run-up to festive season
Consumer confidence has plunged in the run-up to the festive season as uncertainties posed by conflict in the Middle East add to accelerating energy, fuel and mortgage costs. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index fell nine points to minus 30 in October, taking it back to a level last seen in July last year. The index’s major purchase measure – an indicator of confidence in buying big ticket items – saw the sharpest drop of 14 points, in a significant turnaround from last month’s four-point increase which will concern retailers in the run-up to Christmas. chart Confidence in personal finances over ... (full story)