Business confidence blighted by slowdown fears

The Lloyds TSV Corporate Markers Business Barometer survey for August found economic optimism among UK businesses remains firmly in the doldrums. A balance of -33% of UK companies are more optimistic about prospects for the economy, rather than pessimistic, according to the survey. The balance is calculated by subtracting all negative responses to a question from all positive responses. A total of 200 companies with turnover above £1m are represented by the data. Over all, 20% of firms are more optimistic and 53% are more pessimistic. The survey also found many companies are expecti...