Third of consumers say worse still to come - ABI

One in three (31%) predict further hardships in the year ahead according to figures from the last quarter of 2009, up from 22% in the previous quarter. Fewer were optimistic about future prospects towards the end of 2009 than earlier in the year. Only 39% were positive about the economy in 2010, down from 52% who felt the same in the third quarter. Increased fears over job security are likely a key factor in the drop in consumer confidence, says the ABI. Of those asked, 31% said they were more worried about their job security than three months ago, up from 27% in the previous quart...