Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level this year in October, a key measure of sentiment shows.
Research company Martin Hamblin GfK said today its Consumer Confidence Barometer fell to plus one in October from plus fourin September.
The drop matchessimilar data from the US yesterday which showed consumer confidence there fell to a nine-year low.
The index has fluctuated between 2 and 6 so far this year. It is closely watched because it will be relevant to the Bank of England's rate decision next week.