UK consumer spending slows in February as inflation fears dim sentiment, survey shows

British consumer spending grew only slowly in February, according to surveys, as households grew more pessimistic about the economic outlook. The Middle East conflict has raised fears of a fresh rise in inflation, which is damping sentiment and posing downside risk to near-term consumption.

Analysis

British consumer spending grew only slowly in February, according to surveys, as households grew more pessimistic about the economic outlook. The Middle East conflict has raised fears of a fresh rise in inflation, which is damping sentiment and posing downside risk to near-term consumption.