More people worry about economy while personal outlook improves slightly

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Confidence among British consumers has remained weak as Christmas approaches.

There was little shift in consumer confidence since the chancellor’s budget, with many worried about the economy in the lead up to Christmas. While there was a very slight improvement in people’s expectations of their personal financial situation, this was offset by declining expectations of the wider economy.

Personal retail spending remained positive, edging up slightly, though this was to be expected as consumers prepare for the festive season. Within this, non-food spending expectations remained low, though expectations of spending on eating out improved the most out of all categories, as people prepare for Christmas catchups with friends and relatives.

9am GMT: European Central Bank general council meeting

9am GMT: Spain inflation for November (forecast: 2.4%, previous: 1.8%)

11am GMT: Eurozone consumer confidence final for November

2pm GMT: Germany inflation for November (forecast: 2.3%, previous: 2%)