Do Brexit jitters explain 18-point fall since March 2015 in sentiment over future prospects for general economy?

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index remained at zero in March.  Two of the measures used to calculate the Index saw decreases this month, with one measure showing an increase and the remaining two
measures staying the same.

Joe Staton, Head of Market Dynamics at GfK, says:

“Are we seeing Brexit jitters at work now? Whilst UK consumers remain resolutely upbeat about their personal financial situation, even showing a +1 point increase this month when asked about expectations for the year ahead, concerns about prospects for the general economic situation continue to dampen our mood. Looking at how consumers see the wider economy developing over the next 12 months, we are 18 points lower this month than in March 2015. So, despite good economic headlines about low inflation, interest rates and prices in the shops, concerns about Brexit and the ongoing Eurozone crisis appear to be hitting home.”

UK Consumer Confidence Measures – March 2016 

The Overall Index Score is unchanged this month at zero.   

 Personal Financial Situation

The index measuring changes in personal finances during the last 12 months has decreased by one point this month to +4; this is six points higher than March 2015. 

The forecast for personal finances over the next 12 months has increased one point to +9 this month; this is two points higher than March 2015. 

General Economic Situation

The measure for the General Economic Situation of the country during the last 12 months is unchanged this month at -10; this is 11 points lower than March 2015.

Expectations for the General Economic Situation over the next 12 months are unchanged this month at -12; this is 18 points lower than this time last year.

 
Major Purchase Index

The Major Purchase Index has decreased one point this month to +11; this is two points higher than this time last year.

Savings Index

The Savings Index is unchanged at -2; which is four points higher than March 2015.

Download word version of press release here.

Download CCB charts here.