Optimism among families has reached its highest level in nearly two years, Marks & Spencer’s Family Matters Index has indicated.

Marks & Spencer’s quarterly tracker revealed that falling inflation and the arrival of the summer holiday period had resulted in “a cautious sense of optimism emerging”.

The data showed 45% felt optimistic about their family’s prospects for the next three months – a big change from 32% last September. A third felt more in control of family finances.

However, the high cost of living was still worrying many and 81% said it remains a concern.

M&S found “value continues to be a priority this season”, and 62% said that was their top priority – a 4% increase since January. The retailer said that was reflected in the fact that its Remarksable Value products feature in 20% of customer baskets.

The study indicated that 49% intended to take a holiday this year, at home or abroad, and M&S said its Holiday Shop had delivered “three consecutive record-breaking weeks”.

Most customers (62%) said that they planned to eat out less while 52% intended to order fewer takeaway meals. 

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