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UK firms became more optimistic in February, breaking a seven-month decline, with the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer rising to 49% from 37% in January.
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Confidence in hiring improved, with businesses’ employment outlook rising by nine points to 41%, indicating stronger labour demand.
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Firms’ confidence in the economy jumped by 18 points to 42%, the biggest monthly rise since late 2020, despite concerns over tax increases and a minimum wage hike.
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Two-thirds of businesses expect to raise prices in the next year, up from 61% in January, potentially influencing the Bank of England’s interest rate decisions.
Some encouraging news.
GBP is dribbled lower on broader news though, Trump’s comments slamming markets again on Thursday:
This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.
