- Chris Williamson, chief economist of research firm Markit
The U.K. consumer spending recorded its strongest monthly growth since May 2009 in September, according to Visa Europe's UK expenditure index. Sales jumped 3% as consumers spend more at clothes as well as hotels and restaurants. Despite strong improvement in consumer spending, online spending tumbled 1.5% last month.
"The data... add to evidence that the economy pulled out of recession in the third quarter, but still leaves the question of whether this is merely temporary or the start of a sustained upturn," said Chris Williamson, chief economist of research firm Markit.
"However, consumer confidence remains historically low as uncertainty about the economy and job security persists, suggesting that the bounce in spending seen in the third quarter could be as good as it gets for the foreseeable future."
The FTSE 100 Index added 0.74 per cent to 5,871.02. The broader FTSE All-Share Index rose by 0.76 per cent to 3,067.73.
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