Consumer confidence remained almost unchanged in February, following its near-unprecedented crash the previous month.

The overall measurement of sentiment was up one point to -28 in February, the Gfk NOP Consumer Confidence Index showed.

While there was some improvement in consumers’ attitudes towards their personal financial situation over the next 12 months and towards making major purchases, confidence in the general economic outlook edged down.

Gfk NOP Social Research managing director Nick Moon said: “February’s index shows that public feeling has barely changed from last month.

“The statistically insignificant increase shows that while consumer confidence has stabilised, it has not bounced back.

“Overall confidence remains low and although it has not reached the depths of two years ago, the fact that it is 10 points down on six months ago and 14 points down on a year ago represents a significant setback to hopes of recovery.

“Such a small increase indicates that last month’s astonishing figures were not an aberration.”