Business confidence at new high

Business confidence is at its highest level since May 2022, according to the latest Lloyds Bank sentiment index. The index showed that confidence nudged up from 32% in March to 33% this month, as bosses have become more optimistic about the wider economy. The survey of 1,200 businesses between 3-16 April found that overall economic optimism rose by five points to 28% – close to a one-year high. Some 61% of businesses said they expected to increase their prices in the coming year, with 47% looking to recruit, marking the fifth consecutive month that anticipated staffing levels have increased. The Times (£)