All eyes are on consumer spending

Consumer spending has been the main driver behind the UK economy. Although this has slowed down in recent months, managers are waiting to see if this has simply been in reaction to the war in Iraq. Oil prices have dropped which spells good news for inflation and it is possible another rate cut in the pipeline could increase consumer spending. However, the manufacturing industry remains in the doldrums. Chancellor Gordon Brown's 2003 Budget has also caused some mixed reactions. According to Trevor Green, director at Allianz Dresdner, there has been no real news in the UK 2003 Budget...