Fall in consumer confidence in April indicates recovery is 'a long way away', according to GfK's barometer

According to the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer, three of the five measures recorded decreased in confidence this month.

GfK managing director of social research Nick Moon said: “The fall back, even by only one point, implies the recovery in confidence has stalled, and a real recovery looks a long way away.”

The index measuring changes in personal finances during the past 12 months decreased four points to -24, which is a point lower than in April 2012. The forecast for personal finances over the next 12 months fell one point to -7 but this remains six points higher year on year.

The measure for the general economic situation of the country in the past 12 months increased one point to -53, which is four points higher than a year ago. The forecast for the situation over the next 12 months increased one point to -26, which is seven points higher than last year.

The climate for major purchases declined by two points in April to -25, which is five points higher than last year. Meanwhile, the savings index stayed the same at -23, which is five points lower than in April last year.