A mixed picture on spending emerged today as better-than-expected retail sales figures offset a record low consumer confidence figure.
Retail sales volumes rose 1.4% in April, which was better than the 0.2% decline forecast and the 1.2% fall seen the previous month.
Meanwhile, the latest consumer confidence score from GfK fell two points to minus 40, which is the lowest since records began in 1974 as household worry about rising energy, food and fuel costs.
