MW: U.K. consumer-confidence barometer sees May lift
By Kim Hjelmgaard
LONDON (MarketWatch) -- A closely watched survey of U.K. consumer morale jumped in May, new data showed Friday. The Gfk NOP Consumer Confidence Index increased from 10 points to -21 from April's low of -31, with advances made across all of the index's main measures: Personal Financial Situation; General Economic Situation; Climate for Major Purchases; and the Savings Index. Nick Moon, managing director of GfK NOP Social Research, said: "We have seen an almost unprecedented jump in consumer confidence this month. May's figures show the second largest rise ever -- only May 1993 was higher, when it improved by 12 points." The index's annual moving average dropped one point to -23.
