Negative signs add to pressure for UK stimulus
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fresh signs have emerged that the British economy is "flatlining", giving more ammunition to the incoming Bank of England Governor, Mark Carney, who declared at the weekend that much more could be done to stimulate growth.
Deloitte's quarterly survey of consumers showed a net balance of minus 33 per cent of those surveyed feeling positive about their disposable income – only marginally better than the minus 39 per cent seen a year earlier.
Worries about issues such as job security, personal debt and children's education all increased.
Meanwhile, the independent property analyst HomeTrack found house prices were flat in January. New buyer registrations and property listings both fell, although the "lack of supply is acting as a support to pricing levels".
It comes as Mr Carney, who takes over at the Bank of England in July, told the World Economic Forum in Davos that monetary policy was far from "maxed out" and central banks must work harder to boost anaemic economies – even if it risks an increase in inflation.
UK GDP fell 0.3 per cent in the last quarter of 2012, the fourth time in five quarters that the economy did not grow.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments