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Updated · The Guardian · Apr 23UK Consumer Confidence Hits Historic Low as Price Rises Bite
52 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 23
- UK consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since the late 1970s amid surging prices and economic uncertainty.
- Surveys show households are increasingly anxious about rising fuel and energy costs, with businesses expecting to raise prices further.
- The Iran war and supply disruptions are intensifying inflation, raising concerns about the economic outlook and possible interest rate hikes.
UK economic activity is rising despite collapsing confidence. Is this a final boom before a deep recession? Will the UK's new windfall tax and energy reforms actually lower household bills this year? Can the UK truly break the link between gas prices and electricity bills, or is this just a temporary fix? With the Hormuz Strait closed, is the world economy prepared for the 'largest energy crisis in history'? The war has killed hopes of rate cuts. How high must interest rates go to fight this new wave of inflation? The Iran conflict is disrupting fertilizer supplies. Are we facing a global food crisis after the energy shock?