Investing.com – The U.K.’s Nationwide consumer confidence index rose more-than-expected in December, industry data showed on Tuesday.
In a report, the Nationwide Building Society said that its consumer confidence index rose to a seasonally adjusted 53.0, up from 45.0 in November, which was the lowest reading since March 2009.
Analysts had expected the Nationwide consumer confidence index to rise to 49.0 in December.
Commenting on the report, Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said, “While the up-tick is encouraging, household confidence nevertheless remains subdued, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the economic outlook."
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD gaining 0.33% to hit 1.5938.
Meanwhile, the outlook for European stock markets was upbeat. The FTSE 100 futures climbed 0.14%, the EURO STOXX 50 futures pointed to a gain of 0.12%, France’s CAC 40 futures indicated a rise of 0.08%, while Germany's DAX futures was 0.05%.
In a report, the Nationwide Building Society said that its consumer confidence index rose to a seasonally adjusted 53.0, up from 45.0 in November, which was the lowest reading since March 2009.
Analysts had expected the Nationwide consumer confidence index to rise to 49.0 in December.
Commenting on the report, Robert Gardner, Nationwide's chief economist, said, “While the up-tick is encouraging, household confidence nevertheless remains subdued, reflecting ongoing uncertainty about the economic outlook."
Following the release of the data, the pound was up against the U.S. dollar, with GBP/USD gaining 0.33% to hit 1.5938.
Meanwhile, the outlook for European stock markets was upbeat. The FTSE 100 futures climbed 0.14%, the EURO STOXX 50 futures pointed to a gain of 0.12%, France’s CAC 40 futures indicated a rise of 0.08%, while Germany's DAX futures was 0.05%.