Brexit economy: a turbulent year ends on steadier ground

Households appear to defy cost of living squeeze and markets seem more confident now Brexit talks have moved on to trade

Britain's economy is closing a turbulent year on steadier ground, as households defy the biggest squeeze on disposable income in living memory, a Guardian analysis of economic news over the past month shows.

In a period in which Theresa May won a deal with Brussels to move the Brexit talks forward to focus on trade, the Guardian's monthly tracker found pockets of strength in the economy - even as businesses express increasing concerns over the size of the challenge to come.

Staying in the single market and customs union

Related: How has the Brexit vote affected the economy? December verdict