After reaching a six-month low in November, consumer confidence climbed this month as the UK entered the festive season.
The GfK Consumer Confidence Index rose by seven points to -23 in December, indicating that recovery could be on the cards.
All five measures rose compared with November as news of the Covid-19 vaccine boosted consumer sentiment for the near future.
The survey found that consumers were particularly optimistic about the general economic situation over the next 12 months, rising by 15 points to -35 as they eye a brighter 2021.
The measure for the general economy over the last 12 months also inched up by 2 points to -65, while the major purchase index jumped up 6 points to -22.
Consumers’ feelings about their personal finances over the previous year and the year ahead also increased by seven and eight points respectively. Confidence in their personal situations over the next 12 months even moved into positive figures to 3.
GfK client strategy director Joe Staton said: “Many might be surprised that we are ending 2020 on a much brighter note after a roller-coaster of a year.
“It’s safe to say that consumers are looking for good news and they have found it in the form of the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme getting under way, which has lifted the mood pre-Christmas 2020.
“The 15-point leap in consumer views on the future economy stands out and we have not registered a change of that magnitude for that measure since April/May 2011.
“The renewed expectations on personal finances looking ahead are also welcome, while the six-point uptick in the major purchase index is good news for online and offline retailers. While confidence is still in negative figures, are we finally heading in the right direction?”
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