UK consumer confidence was unchanged in December, but other component measures of the overall GFK/NOP Consumer Confidence Barometer declined. GFK/NOP said that the overall headline CCB reading has been distorted this month by the looming VAT hike due at the start of 2011 which has persuaded many consumers that now is a good time to make a major purchase. The Major Purchase Index was the one measure to rise, climbing to -7 from -17 in November. Consumers were less confident in their personal financial situation over the past and the next 12 months as well as in the general economy over the last and over the next 12 ... (full story)