Mixed signals for UK retails sales from minor data points via ForexLive

Last month I had a look at a few minor indicators to gauge the possible retail sales out come. I've had a quick look and it's a mixed bag.

• The British Retail Consortium like for like sales came in at -0.35 vs +0.9% exp y/y. Prior -0.8%
• Markit's household finance index gained slightly to 42.2 from 42.0 prior. Cash available to spend fell the quickest in 6 months. Workspace activity rose in all sectors bar retail. Expectations that things would get better did rise as did feelings of job security
• Lloyds consumer confidence index rose to 147 from 145. Essential spending fell by 0.5% y/y lead by reduced spending on utilities, food, drink and fuel. Food and drink on it's own fell 2.5% and makes up 40% of the essential spend category. The economic situation indicator also dropped to 274 from May's 285 but was 33 points higher than a year ago.

If anything it points to a worsening retail picture this month and we'll see how much damage the world cup fiasco played out in spending. It's only  the second time I've looked at the indicators so we'll see how they do.

posted via ForexLive