UK Retail Sales Rise Ahead of Christmas

A survey on Monday showed that UK retail sales rebounded in December with restrictions on stores eased and consumers buying food and other essentials before Christmas, but the outlook for January is the worst since summer.

The monthly report of the Confederation of British Industries showed that the balance of monthly retail sales rose to -3 in December from -25 in November, the highest level in three months. However, expectations for January are more negative, with a reading of -33.

The survey was conducted from November 23 to December 14, and covers the end of the second round of isolation measures in Britain, during which stores selling unnecessary goods were closed with the return of restrictions

On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced stricter isolation measures in London and nearby areas.