UK firms became more optimistic in February, snapping a seven-month losing streak

• UK firms became more optimistic in February, breaking a seven-month decline, with the Lloyds Bank Business Barometer rising to 49% from 37% in January.

• Confidence in hiring improved, with businesses’ employment outlook rising by nine points to 41%, indicating stronger labour demand.

• Firms’ confidence in the economy jumped by 18 points to 42%, the biggest monthly rise since late 2020, despite concerns over tax increases and a minimum wage hike.

• Two-thirds of businesses expect to raise prices in the next year, up from 61% in January, potentially influencing the Bank of England’s interest rate decisions.

Some encouraging news.

GBP is dribbled lower on broader news though, Trump’s comments slamming markets again on Thursday:

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This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at www.forexlive.com.