Consumer confidence in the economy took a knock in the last quarter of 2009, with one-in-three consumers expecting the economy to worsen in 2010 according to research published by the Association of British Insurers (ABI).

Home buyers in November needed to use less of their income to cover their mortgage interest than at any time for more than five years, according to new data released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders.

MGM Advantage has estimated that the average retired household where the main occupant is aged 65-74 needs to find an extra £429 a year to maintain the standard of living they enjoyed 12 months ago.