(Alliance News) - UK consumer confidence remained deeply negative in April, with households increasingly pessimistic about their finances despite expectations of higher spending, according to the British Retail Consortium.
Data from the BRC-Opinium consumer sentiment monitor showed expectations for the state of the UK economy over the next three months held steady at minus 53 points in April, unchanged from March and the lowest level on record.
Expectations for personal finances deteriorated further, falling to minus 21 points from minus 17, also marking a record low.
Despite this, consumers expect to spend more in the coming months. Retail spending expectations rose to plus 5 points in April from plus 2 in March, while overall spending expectations increased to plus 15 from plus 13.
Expectations for personal saving remained unchanged at minus 8 points.
The survey was conducted between April 7 and April 10 among 2,000 UK adults.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: "The Middle East conflict continues to stoke consumer anxiety around inflation and the cost of living. Amid a volatile geopolitical situation, households are expecting to see their pay packets squeezed by rising petrol, domestic energy, and food prices."
She added that the increase in retail spending expectations was driven by essentials.
"Expected retail spending rose, but this was driven entirely by grocery spend, with most consumers expecting to rein in spending in other areas," Dickinson said.
Dickinson warned that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could weigh further on the economy and businesses.
"The longer volatility drags on, the more uncertainty it creates in the economy. Businesses are battered by higher energy costs while also grappling with the growing burden of domestic policy pressures," she said.
She added that government action could help ease pressure on households.
"Taking early, decisive action would help shield consumers from a spike in the cost of living they simply can't afford," Dickinson said.
By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter
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