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Investor confidence at record levels; housing market appears set to slowdown The 20th quarterly UK Financial activity index released today by JGFR, commissioned from GfK NOP and using the same sample of 2,000 adults as in today's UK consumer confidence survey is at 104.7 in March, down from 106.5 in December and up from 101.5 in March 2005. The savings/investment index rose from 111.7 to 112.7 (March 2005 104.3), the borrowing index is little changed at 88.6 compared to 88.9 (March 2005 80.1) and the debt repayment index fell from 111.7 in December to 107.4 in March (March 2005 108.2). Among the sub-indices the housing market indices moved down. The Mortgage intentions index fell from 97.1 to 90.8 (March 2005 86.0) and the Property purchase intentions index also fell - down from 103.5 in December to 98.8 (March 2005 95.3). Investor confidence as measured by the equity purchase index rose sharply to a record 145.3 from 129.1 in December and 121.8 in March 2005.. Prospects for the ISA season look very good with the ISA index at a record 126.7, up from 116.3 in December and 101.6 in March 2005. A full news release will accompany the publication of the Spring Financial Activity Bulletin on April 12th.
• The Financial activity bulletin is based on consumers’ responses to a question on their expected savings, investment and borrowing activity across 18 categories in the next 6 months.
• Since its launch in March 2002 it has provided a good indicator of product demand.
• A second question tracks the market share of the UK's main financial services providers and the expected activity of their customers.
• Index numbers are based on a 2-quarter moving average (Q3/Q4 2002=100) Enquiries: John Gilbert 0208 944 7510 or visit www.jgfr.co.uk for details of a special anniversary offer.
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