Top comment says it all really -
In the case of the UK (and US) consumption is not a sign of strength but weakness.
The current level of consumption is only possible with vast and wholly unsustainable trade and government deficits, and ultra low interest rates, and very high levels of personal debt, and very over valued house prices, and over valued currencies relative to the likes of China.
In short the UK is a bubble economy and its present level of consumption a mirage.
In Germany the level of personal consumption is wholly sustainable.
The current level of consumption is only possible with vast and wholly unsustainable trade and government deficits, and ultra low interest rates, and very high levels of personal debt, and very over valued house prices, and over valued currencies relative to the likes of China.
In short the UK is a bubble economy and its present level of consumption a mirage.
In Germany the level of personal consumption is wholly sustainable.
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