Consumer confidence fell in March after improving during January and February.

Researcher Gfk NOP’s Consumer Confidence Index, compiled on behalf of the European Commission, slipped by one point to -15. The index is still 15 points above its level in March last year but four out of five of the measures used all showed declines.

People’s confidence in their personal financial situation over the next year fell by two points to +4, compared to a score of -6 a year ago.

Confidence in the general economic situation in the next 12 months fell by four points to 0 but is still 30 points up year on year.

Attitudes about the climate for major purchases worsened by one point to -17 against -21 this time last year.

Gfk NOP social research managing director Nick Moon said the overall fall was “small but significant.”