–GfK/NOP: UK April Consumer Confidence -16 Versus -15 March
–UK April General Econ Situation Past 12 Months -47 Versus -49 in March

LONDON (MNI) – UK consumer confidence dipped in April, falling to
-16 from -15 in March, with consumers disinclined to make major
purchases at present and more inclined to save, the latest GfK/NOP
Consumer Confidence Index found.

The headline index score in April fell to -16 from -15 in March,
still 11 points higher than in April last year. The survey found a
marked decline in the proportion of consumers saying now is a good time
to make a major purchase, with this score falling to -20 from -17 in
March.

The measure for consumers’ personal financial situation over the
past 12 months rose to -14 in April from -15 in March, while the
expectation for the personal financial situation over the next 12 months
remained positive, at 2 compared to 4 in March.

Consumers were a little more upbeat about the economic situation
over the past 12 months, with the balance of -47 comparing with -49 in
the March survey. Again, consumers were much more optimistic about the
outlook than the past, with the next 12 months economic situation
reading coming in at -1 compared to zero in March, still 14 points above
the April 2009 reading.

UK consumers are increasingly inclined to save. The “now is a good
time to save” reading rose to -7 in April from -13, 10 percentage points
above year ago levels.

“While things are far better than they were a year ago the
improvement has pretty much stalled, and there has been no real change
in consumer confidence since last September. The drop in the score for
now being a good time to make a major purchase is a significant one, and
suggests people are still feeling very cautious,” Nick Moon, Managing
Director at GfK NOP, said.

The survey also shows that the ruling Labour Party will not get any
late boost from a pick up in consumer confidence ahead of the May 6
election.

2010 2010 2009
Apr Mar Apr
Headline Index Score -16 -15 -27
Personal financial situation past 12 months: -14 -15 -18
Personal financial situation next 12 months: 2 4 -3
General econ. situation over last 12 months -47 -49 -77
General econ. situation over next 12 months: -1 0 -15
Climate for major purchases: -20 -17 -22

–London newsroom 44207 862 7491; email: drobinson@marketnews.com

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