VVO, BATS, CPG: Stocks to eye as consumer confidence falls

Consumer confidence in the UK has been sinking lately amid the worst cost-of-living crisis witnessed by Brits. According to a survey conducted by GfK, consumer confidence continued to stay at a record low of -41, owing to the impact of soaring energy bills, spiraling fuel, and food prices, and interest rate hikes. As compared to June, the overall index score was flat this month as per GfK’s barometer. Two measures remained unchanged, one measure was down, and another two were up.

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There was no change in the index measuring variations in personal finances over the last 12 months and it continued to stay at -23 — 22 points worse than July last year. However, there was an increase of two points in the personal finances forecast over the next one year, taking it to -26. This was 37 points lesser as compared to the same time in the previous year.

The survey also unveiled that there was a fall of one point in the UK’s general economic situation over the last one year. The figure stood at -66, which is 23 points lesser as compared to July 2021. In the meantime, next year’s expectations for the general economic situation have remained constant, at -57 — 52 points lower than July last year. In July, the major purchase index surged by one point and the savings Index surged four points, standing at -34 and +13, respectively.

Amid the increasing fall in consumer confidence and worsening financial mood in the country, UK investors can keep an eye on the following consumer stocks offering positive returns. 

Vivo Energy plc (LON: VVO)

The shares of the British downstream petroleum business, Vivo Energy plc, were witnessing gains of 0.13% at around 11:30 AM (GMT+1) on Friday. The FTSE 250 index firm had a market cap of £1,908.01 million as of 22 July. Having a positive EPS of 0.06, the company is currently providing investors with an annual dividend yield of 3.1%. Its returns also lie in the positive zone, at 45.25% and 14.29% on an annual and YTD basis, respectively.

British American Tobacco plc (LON: BATS)

Leading cigarette producer British American Tobacco plc, on Friday witnessed a fall of 0.80% at 11:35 AM (GMT+1). The FTSE 100 company boasted a market cap of £77,800.36m as of 22 July. Having a positive EPS of 2.97, the company is currently providing investors an annual dividend yield of 6.2%. Its returns also lie in the positive zone, at 24.81% and 25.22% on an annual and YTD basis, respectively.

Compass Group plc (LON: CPG)

The shares of the British contract foodservice firm, Compass Group plc, were witnessing gains of 1.25% at around 11:40 AM (GMT+1) on Friday. Having a positive EPS of 0.20, the company is currently providing investors an annual dividend yield of 1.3%. Its returns also lie in the positive zone, at 14.53% and 12.54% on an annual and YTD basis, respectively.