British families more confident about their finances than at any time since financial crisis
British families are more confident about their finances than at any time since the financial crisis, according to a report.
In a further sign that the economy has picked up since the General Election, IHS Markit said its household finance index rose from 44.6 in January to 47.6 in February.
That was the highest reading since the survey began 11 years ago and suggested that Boris Johnson’s victory over Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, has left families feeling better about their finances.
Feel-good factor: Boris Johnson’s victory over Labour appears to have left families feeling better about their finances
The future household finance index – which measures expected changes over the next 12 months – also rose to the highest level since the survey started in February 2009.
Families were more confident about the outlook for house prices and more secure in their jobs.
Analysts said the findings added to evidence that the economy has perked up so far this year – and added that the case for interest rates to be cut was diminishing.
Joe Hayes of IHS Markit said: ‘Our latest report signals a number of developments that should keep the Bank of England doves at bay.’