'Twas a busy one for bits and pieces from the UK .... the usual Brexit guff but also plenty of data
- UK data for the Lloyds Business Barometer (February): 33 (prior was 35)
- UK data for BRC shop price index (February): -0.8% (vs. expected -0.6%)
- UK data for GfK Consumer Confidence (February): -10 (vs. expected -10)
This slipped by, worth noting from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)
- Output of cars down 0.05% in January
- 1.5 percent increase in export sales
- 6 percent drop in domestic demand
- Carmakers are concerned however that their vehicles could face tariffs or lengthy customs checks when entering the EU after a transition period following Brexit
- "While it is good to see global appetite for British-built cars reach record levels in January, this only reinforces the industry's increasing reliance on overseas demand," said SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes.
- "Future growth will therefore depend on maintaining our current open trade links not just with Europe but with key international markets."
