The Confederation of British Industry released its retail sales balance data on Wednesday. The CBI retail sales balance was down to +12% in April from +18% in March.

"With shopping habits changing so dramatically in the last few years underlying consumer confidence is hard to read, but both retailers and wholesalers are optimistic there will be a spring in their customers' steps, and therefore their sales, in the near future," the CBI survey chairman and Asda's Chief Customer Officer Barry Williams said.

Sales expectations for next month jumped to +40% in April from +21% in March.