Last week official figures showed slight economic growth in the first quarter, but more recent data reveals a sharp drop in consumer spending. Hit by the Middle East energy shock, April retail sales fell sharply, and card spending recorded its first annual decline. Forecasters warned that the broader geopolitical fallout could cost the economy over 160,000 jobs. This accelerated this week, as data shows household sentiment plunged to its weakest level in nearly three years. Troubles in Westminster are impacting corporate planning with 39% of British firms delayed or cancelled investments due to policy uncertainty. This was backed by new surveys indicating a noticeable drop in job postings, as well as one in five employers planning to reduce their overall workforce....
Stocks featured:
Intertek Group, British American Tobacco and 3i Group
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