British Firms Optimistic as Consumers Seem 'Surprisingly Stable'
- Decrease in Brexit uncertainty lifts business confidence
- Pound’s drop is helping exports as well as driving up prices
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British firms are becoming more optimistic about their prospects as consumers appear to be coping with Brexit-induced inflation.
Business confidence rose to a 17-month high this month, possibly because of less uncertainty about the U.K. leaving the European Union after Prime Minister Theresa May triggered formal negotiations in March, according to Lloyds Bank. While consumer confidence has dropped, it was “surprisingly stable” in April given accelerating inflation and stagnating wages, GfK said in a separate report.