Thursday, 14 November 2013

Mixed messages



There has recently been a concerted effort to “talk up” the economic recovery in the UK.

The housing market has traditionally been used as a barometer and latest reports show that increased demand for homes has led to the ninth consecutive monthly increase in house prices, according to the Halifax.

The mortgage lender said that property prices were up by 0.7% in October compared with the previous month and 6.9% annually.

The retail sector will similarly provide a good indicator as to the health of the economy. The run up to Christmas, October through to December the so called “golden quarter” has always been of prime importance.

Currently wages are flat lining and consumers are facing rising fuel and utility bills.

Any sustained pickup in demand therefore will be credit driven. Memories are short and it is likely that consumers will be more ready to take on additional debt given a sense of comfort from the appreciating prices in the housing market.

 

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