Retailers boosted by rise in consumer sentiment

Marks & Spencer exemplifies the situation for many UK retailers in current market conditions. Humphrey van der Klugt, UK fund manager at Schroders, says that for the year to 12 December, the ubiquitous high-street stalwart's share price has increased by 93%, outperforming the FTSE All-Share by 126%. The position for the sector as a whole is also positive: general retailers are up 15.5%, outperforming the All-Share by 37%. Indicators show the reasons for the increase in share prices. The British Retail Consortium published figures show sales up 5.8% year on year to the end of Novemb...