Interviews with consumers in the UK revealed that 25% believe the current economy is stable, similar to the December 2017 Grassroots® survey, while 28% said it is improving slightly or significantly, a 3% increase vs. December. In addition, 28% are more optimistic about the economy currently vs. six months ago compared to 27% in December. Looking ahead, similar to December, 21% of sources believe the economy will remain stable in the next six months, while 33% believe it will deteriorate slightly (vs. 35% in December), and 24% believe it will improve slightly.

Meanwhile, 28% of sources said their current household financial situation is improving slightly or significantly, a 7% increase vs. December. Looking ahead, 55% cited concern regarding their employment status in the next six months vs. 56% in December. In addition, 16% of sources cited significant concern regarding the potential negative impact of volatility in the stock market on their financial situation in the next six months, a 4% increase vs. December.

As to Brexit, 49% of sources believe it will cause the economy to deteriorate slightly or significantly in the long term, a 4% increase vs. December. In addition, 40% believe Brexit will have a negative impact on their household financial situation vs. 39% in December. When asked about savings plans, 32% of sources said they plan to save slightly or significantly more due to Brexit vs. 30% in December.

Grassroots^® Research is a division of Allianz Global Investors that commissions investigative market research for asset-management professionals. Research data used to generate Grassroots^® Research reports are received from independent, third-party contractors who supply research that, subject to applicable laws and regulations, may be paid for by commissions generated by trades executed on behalf of clients. 

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