Consumer Confidence Recovers

April's consumer confidence index from market research group Martin Hamblin showed confidence up by five points since March to stand at -5. Good news, at least, showing some bounce back from war worries. Consumers are optimistic about the next 12 months - up 15 points - and perceptions of personal finances are up by two points. However, consumers say it is neither a good time to save or to make major financial purchases, which suggests that areas such as fashion might continue to prosper, the report said.

Retail sales figures for March from National Statistics showed three-month growth rates against last year slowing to 4.1 per cent, the lowest growth rate for three years, with department stores seeing the biggest decline.