More UK consumer spending data for Dec. - slowest rise since March 2016

Data via Barclaycard, spending +1.8% y/y in December, the slowest rise since March 2016

• prior +3.3%
• "Many Brits were more modest in their approach to Christmas spending compared to 2017, cutting back on the essentials to balance the costs of the festive season," Barclaycard director Esme Harwood said.

Earlier from the UK:

• UK data, like for like sales in December -0.7% y/y (expected -0.3%)