Live news: UK consumer confidence index rises in early signs of recovery

UK consumer confidence increased in April, according to data published on Friday, suggesting early signs of an economic recovery.

The consumer confidence index issued by market researcher GfK rose six points to minus 30 in April, following a two-point increase in the previous month.

All measures were up over March, with the forecast for the general economic situation rising eight points to minus 13 and the personal finance forecast rising five points to minus 21.

“There’s a sudden flowering of optimism with big improvements across the board,” said Joe Staton, client strategy director at GfK.

“The eight-point jump in [the] personal financial situation is a dramatic change that might suggest household finances are stronger than we thought.”