In the realm of recent UK economic data, a discernible disinflationary trend appears set to endure. The BRC shop price data reveals a noteworthy drop in food inflation, plummeting from 7.6% to 6.6%. This eighth consecutive decline, reaching the lowest point since June 2022, holds significant implications for shaping lower inflation expectations among households amid the ongoing journey to pre-COVID levels.
A deeper exploration of the BRC release unveils the robust nature of Christmas-period food promotions, peaking at their strongest in four years. This signals an emerging trend of heightened price sensitivity among UK households, potentially exerting influence on consumer behaviour in the upcoming months. As anticipation builds for the official data release on January 17th, the likelihood of corroboration with ONS data strengthens the narrative of a sustained easing of food inflation.
A comprehensive analysis of the broader economic landscape paints a compelling picture of diminishing inflationary risks. The 6-month annualized rate in the UK, up to November, dwindles to a mere 0.6%, with the core rate standing at a relatively modest 2.4%. The apparent speed at which inflation rates recede contributes to a more stabilized economic environment, potentially steering towards a return to pre-inflationary levels.
Contrasting this optimistic outlook are revelations from the Institute of Directors, indicating that the deceleration in inflation has not translated into an uplift in sentiment. The IoD’s Economic Confidence Index plummeted from -21 in November to -28 in December, reflecting growing fears of a recession. The modest contraction in Q3 real GDP growth, coupled with a more substantial -0.3% drop in October, accentuates the looming risks of a technical recession.
Consumer sentiment remains a cause for concern, despite a slight improvement in the GfK Consumer Confidence Index, rising to -25.1 in January. The index still hovers closer to the cyclical low of -42.8 than the pre-inflation shocks high of +1.0 recorded in November 2021, suggesting that broader economic uncertainties continue to weigh on consumer mindsets.
Despite these economic headwinds, indications point towards the Bank of England maintaining its current monetary policy stance. Any substantive shift from potential rate hikes to cuts would likely depend on a more pronounced decline in wage growth. The current economic landscape suggests that such a shift may not occur imminently.
In the face of these economic complexities, the pound experienced a decline against all G10 currencies, yet displayed resilience against the euro. Notably, EUR/GBP failed to sustain levels above the 0.8700-level, raising intriguing questions. Considering the policy divergence compared to the European Central Bank (ECB), this hints at additional support for the pound against currencies other than the dollar. These nuanced dynamics within the foreign exchange market add an additional layer of complexity to the unfolding economic narrative, indicating the intricate dance between economic indicators and market sentiment.
This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplied by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.
