Good morning: Companies are regaining confidence but are still deeply cautious about the economic outlook, according to the latest Lloyds Bank business barometer. Business confidence has climbed for a third month in a row, to 14 per cent, although it is still stuck in negative territory, which suggests that companies are more pessimistic than they are optimistic. Hann-Ju Ho, senior economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “The shape of any economic recovery remains highly uncertain, nevertheless, it is encouraging to see gradual improvements in trading prospects and economic optimism, albeit from a low base.”On the corporate front this morning:• Passenger numbers at Gatwick fell by 66 per cent in the first six month to the end of June, the privately owned airport has

Source: The Times August 28, 2020 07:52 UTC