UK consumer confidence edged higher in December as households looked forward to lower inflation and a slightly improved economy in 2024. The market research firm GfK Ltd. said its measure of sentiment increased 2 points to minus 22, the highest level since January 2022. The negative reading still means household confidence is decidedly shaky. The increased optimism was seen across all of GfK’s measures, including respondents’ personal financial situation, the general economic situation, major purchases and savings. “Despite the severe cost-of-living crisis still impacting most households, this slow but persistent ... (full story)