Consumer confidence in the UK remains depressed as people continue to worry about the current state of the economy, the country's largest building society said today. In its monthly survey, the Nationwide said its main consumer confidence index remained unchanged at 94, down one point year on year. Nationwide said consumer confidence has remained depressed for a number of months because people still feel concerned about the economy, jobs and the impact on their pockets as higher utility bills start to bite. The survey showed that the present situation index fell one point over the month to 89, its lowest ever level and the first index to go below the 90 mark. Stuart Bernau, Nationwide's executive director, said the one glimmer of hope is the fact that people's expectations of the future have picked up slightly. The expectations index rose two points in June to 98. "This could be the spark that kick-starts a wider recovery in confidence later in the year, particularly if interest rates remain unchanged," said Bernau. Elsewhere, the survey's spending index fell two points in June to 95 largely because of a decline in both the number of people thinking now is a good time to make a major purchase and the number thinking now is a good time to buy household goods. The Nationwide consumer confidence index is based on a similar approach to that used by the US Conference Board since 1967. The Nationwide index is compiled in partnership with Taylor Nelson Sofres PLC, the market research group that conducts the research for the US index.