Connect with us

Business

Consumer confidence falls despite easing inflation

Published

on

Consumer confidence falls despite easing inflation



Consumer confidence has fallen in a blow for retailers as customers veer away from big-ticket purchases, figures show.

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index dropped three points to minus 19 in February to a level last seen in November, despite easing inflation.

The decline was mainly driven by weaker perceptions of personal finances – looking back over the last year and ahead to the next 12 months – which both fell by four points.

The major purchase index – an indicator of confidence in buying big-ticket items – also fell by four points, to minus 14.

Expectations for the general economy over the next 12 months remained unchanged at minus 31 – the same as the score a year ago.

Meanwhile, a measure of confidence in saving money, which is part of the survey but does not contribute to the overall score, fell seven points to 21 – nine points lower than last year.

Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said: “Fewer people say that now is a good time to make major purchases and fewer consumers intend to save money.

“Although the rate of inflation is easing, prices continue to rise, forcing many households to prioritise day-to-day spending over longer-term needs.

Views on the broader economy remain firmly in negative territory, with consumers anticipating only limited economic growth this year.

Unemployment has now reached its highest level in nearly five years, and this is increasing concerns about job security, particularly given the backdrop of weak wage growth. With fewer entry-level opportunities available, those on lower incomes are already feeling the strain, and this trend risks undermining the typically more optimistic outlook held by younger age groups.”



Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Gold price prediction: What’s the gold rate outlook for February 27, 2026 & should you buy on dips? – The Times of India

Published

on

Gold price prediction: What’s the gold rate outlook for February 27, 2026 & should you buy on dips? – The Times of India


Gold price prediction today (AI image)

Gold price prediction today: Gold rates are showing a positive bias, says Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst – Commodity and Currency, LKP Securities. Here is his detailed analysis on the intraday trading outlook:Gold April futures on MCX are trading near ₹1,60,100 after witnessing a sharp rebound from intraday lows around ₹1,58,500. The recovery indicates short-covering and fresh buying interest emerging near lower levels. The short-term structure now suggests a continuation bounce, provided key support holds.

Gold Technical Setup:

EMA 8 & EMA 21:Price has reclaimed the short-term EMA cluster after a strong rebound. The 8 EMA is turning upward and attempting to cross above the 21 EMA, indicating improving intraday momentum. Sustaining above ₹1,60,000 strengthens the bullish setup.Price Structure:The chart reflects a V-shaped recovery from lower levels with higher lows forming on the 30-minute timeframe. This suggests that buyers are defending dips aggressively.RSI Indicator:RSI is near 57, comfortably above the neutral 50 level, signaling strengthening bullish momentum without entering overbought territory.MACD:MACD has turned positive with a bullish crossover and expanding green histogram bars, confirming recovery momentum.Volume & Open Interest:Rising price with stabilizing open interest suggests short-covering support, adding strength to the rebound.

Gold Intraday Trading View:

• Strategy: Buy on dips • Entry Level: ₹1,60,100 • Stop-Loss: Below ₹1,59,400 • Targets: ₹1,60,600 and ₹1,61,000 • Bias: Bullish above ₹1,60,000; weakness resumes only below ₹1,59,400.Gold’s intraday technical structure has shifted positive after reclaiming key resistance levels and forming a strong recovery pattern. Momentum indicators support further upside extension toward ₹1,60,600 and ₹1,61,000. Traders are advised to initiate long positions near ₹1,60,100, maintain a strict stop-loss below ₹1,59,400, and look for continuation gains during the session.Bias: Buy on Dips | Support: ₹1,60,100 | Target: ₹1,60,600 / ₹1,61,000(Disclaimer: Recommendations and views on the stock market, other asset classes or personal finance management tips given by experts are their own. These opinions do not represent the views of The Times of India)



Source link

Continue Reading

Business

India Us Trade Deal: Fresh look at India-US trade deal? May be ‘rebalanced’ if circumstances change, says Piyush Goyal – The Times of India

Published

on

India Us Trade Deal: Fresh look at India-US trade deal? May be ‘rebalanced’ if circumstances change, says Piyush Goyal – The Times of India


Goyal said that India’s proposed trade pact with the United States could be adjusted if necessary.

India-US trade deal: Commerce minister Piyush Goyal has said that India will continue to watch out for its interests and in the evolving situation around tariffs, the trade deal with the US may be rebalanced. Highlighting the uncertain global trade environment, Goyal said the situation remains fluid. Goyal’s comments assume significance after the US Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs are illegal. Soon after, Trump signed an executive order to impose a 10% global tariff on America’s trading partners, and this may be raised to 15%. Goyal’s comments also come a day after US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick met him in Delhi.

‘Few Political Elements Trying To Distort’: Goyal Explains India-US Trade Deal, Slams Opposition

‘Focused on getting best trade deal with US’

Goyal said that India’s proposed trade pact with the United States could be adjusted if necessary, stressing that the country will safeguard its economic interests in view of changing tariff signals from Washington.“It’s an evolving situation. Trump administration has made some comments, they have other tools that they can use, next week they can increase it to 15%. Various dialogues are going on. I had said that if the circumstances change, the deal will be rebalanced,” Goyal reportedly said at a CNN-News 18 event.Referring to the mutual understanding between the two countries, the minister said the possibility of revising the agreement has already been acknowledged. “India-US joint statement says that should circumstances change, the deal will be rebalanced.”Goyal said India continues to remain in discussions with the United States as negotiations move forward. Commenting on potential tariff measures by Washington, he said India would closely monitor developments while ensuring its national interests remain protected.“On US tariffs: will wait and watch and ensure India’s best interests are protected.”He added that the US administration has several policy options at its disposal. “There are many tools that Trump administration can use in this evolving situation; one of them the 10% tariff move,” he said.Responding to concerns raised by the agriculture and dairy sectors, the minister said that key sensitive areas have been safeguarded in the proposed agreement.“No GM foods will come into India,” he said.He also stated that several farm-related sectors have been kept outside the scope of the arrangement. “Dairy, maize, soybean, poultry is exempt from US trade deal. We have preserved interests of farmers, dairy. No GM foods will come into India. The deal preserves our interests.”



Source link

Continue Reading

Business

Data tool to spot Cambridgeshire families due financial support

Published

on

Data tool to spot Cambridgeshire families due financial support



Households entitled to national benefits will be identified by the new system.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending