BRITISH TRADE

Wairarapa Daily Times, 5 March 1934, Page 5

BRITISH TRADE

IMPROVED CONDITIONS. { LONDON, Sunday. Tlie general opinion, according to the commercial summary, is that trade revival has definitely begun and is likely to be sustained. The Federation of MBritish Industries reports that a de■Scidedly more optimistic spirit is abroad ' than in 1933, and more orders have been placed. Another indication of improvement is afforded by the reports of 60 companies summarised by an economist. Four-fifths show increased profits. Financial activity has also been great, as shown by the returns of the bankers’ clearing house, which last week cleared cheques amounting to over £912,000,000, the highest total since 1931 and £265,000,000 more than a year ago. . , . , The Stock Exchange has maintained great activity during the last fortnight in all sections, but especially in giltedgeds, which have gone from strength to strength, with 24 per cent. Consols and War Loan reaching new records. This upward movement is accentuated the shortage of stock. f Dominions have fully participated, especialy Australians, the demand for which has been influenced by the success of the conversion loan. There is very little Australian stock offering, and' prices may be expected to go still higher in the near future. Reports of trade in the United Kmg.show that most indri'tries are -continuing to make headway and the increase in employment is being reflected in improved retail business, the British Industry Fairs at London and Birmingham closed yesterday after a most successful fortnight. Good business was done in all sections. One London exhibitor of underwear sold £SOOO worth of goods every day. Most of the exhibitors agree that in number and value of orders actually booked and promising inquiries received the fair yielded markedly better results than any in recent years.