GfK’s Index Reveals Improvement in December

  • Consumer confidence increased by one point in December
  • GfK’s index reached -17
  • Personal financial situation improved to -7
  • General economic situation remains at -39
  • Expectations for general economic situation unchanged at -26
  • Major Purchase Index stays at -16
  • Black Friday sales up 1.8% in value and 7.7% in volume compared to 2023
  • Retailers saw a £992m turnover during Black Friday week

Consumer confidence showed a marginal increase in December, reaching -17 on GfK’s index. Personal financial situation improved to -7, while the general economic situation remained unchanged at -39 and expectations for the next 12 months stayed at -26. The Major Purchase Index stood at -16. Despite this cautious optimism, Black Friday sales saw a 1.8% value increase and 7.7% volume growth compared to 2023, generating £992m in turnover for retailers.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about consumer confidence, economic indicators, and Black Friday sales performance based on GfK’s data and analysis. It includes relevant details and does not contain any misleading or sensationalist content, nor does it present personal opinions as facts. However, there are some minor grammatical errors and inconsistent date references (e.g., December 2023 and Black Friday 2024).
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about consumer confidence and its factors, such as the impact of the UK General Election and Black Friday sales. It also includes data from GfK’s index and point-of-sale data to support its claims. However, it could benefit from more in-depth analysis or context on the implications of these trends for consumers and businesses.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: No
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses consumer confidence, which can impact spending habits and the overall economy. It also mentions Black Friday sales performance and their impact on retailers’ turnover. However, it does not directly mention specific financial markets or companies being impacted.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text and it does not meet the criteria for an extreme event happening in the last 48 hours.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk www.retailgazette.co.uk