Headlines from the Summer 2008 Financial Activity Bulletin

• Despite the pervading doom and gloom among consumers there is some encouraging news for financial services businesses
• Financial services activity is set to increase among consumers in the next 6 months, with some 2 million more active*  than last quarter
• The headline FAB Financial Activity Index rose from 88.3 to 93.0 on the quarter and is little changed on a year ago
• The major boost to activity is in greater intended take up of consumer credit, cash savings (including ISAs and regular savings plans) and regular life & pensions contributions
• Housing activity is at a record low. First time buyer activity is little changed on March. More young people intending to put a deposit down on a property to buy are relying on non-mortgage (probably family) funding
• Regional differences are considerable with London and the North East the most financially active (expecting to undertake 2 or more from 18 specified activities)
• The agreed merger between Abbey and Alliance & Leicester will  create the UK's sixth major main financial services provider with an 8.2% market share.

*expecting to undertake 2 or more out of 18 categories of activity

For subscriptions to the Financial Activity Bulletin please contact info@jgfr.co.uk or ring 0208 944 7510. For enquirers a free copy of the latest Consumer Confidence Monitor is offered.