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UK consumer confidence jumps to two-year high, GfK says - Finance news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Finance

UK consumer confidence jumps to two-year high, GfK says

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 21, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: August 21, 2026

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UK Consumer Confidence Reaches Two-Year High on Strong GfK Survey Data

Overview of Latest UK Consumer Confidence Data

(Corrects to add dropped word in paragraph 2)

Consumer Morale Surges in August

Aug 21 (Reuters) - British consumer morale jumped to a two-year high this month as households became more confident about making major purchases, a survey showed on Friday that added to a run of unexpectedly strong economic data.

GfK Consumer Confidence Index Results

GfK's Consumer Confidence Index rose to -14 from -17 in July, against expectations in a Reuters poll of economists for a fall to -18.

Expert Commentary

"With inflation back on the rise ... and with continued uncertainty in the Middle East and elsewhere, there are still many challenges ahead that will test the mettle of UK consumers," said Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK.

Key Survey Highlights

  • All but one of the survey's five key sub-indexes rose in August
  • GfK's gauge of confidence for making major purchases rose to its highest level since December 2021
  • Personal financial confidence for the next 12 months rose to its highest level since January, while economic expectations rose to a two-year high
  • Other consumer confidence surveys from YouGov/Cebr, BRC-Opinium, Barclays and LSEG/Ipsos have all shown increases over the last month
  • GfK's survey, which dates back to 1974, was based on 2,000 adults polled between July 30 and August 12
Survey Methodology

GfK's survey, which dates back to 1974, was based on 2,000 adults polled between July 30 and August 12.

Reporting Credits

(Reporting by Andy Bruce; editing by David Milliken)

Key Takeaways

  • GfK’s index rose to –14 in August from –17 in July, beating a Reuters‑poll expectation of –18 (live.euronext.com).
  • Confidence in making major purchases reached its highest level since December 2021, while personal financial outlook and economic expectations hit two‑year highs (live.euronext.com).
  • Other surveys—including YouGov/Cebr, Barclays, BRC‑Opinium and LSEG/Ipsos—also reported rising consumer sentiment in recent weeks (live.euronext.com).

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What did GfK's Consumer Confidence Index show in August?
The GfK Consumer Confidence Index rose to -14 in August, its highest level in two years, up from -17 in July.
Why did UK consumer confidence rise this month?
Households became more confident about making major purchases, contributing to a jump in consumer morale.
How does the latest index compare to economist expectations?
Economists expected a fall to -18, but the index instead rose to -14, beating forecasts.
Which survey sub-indexes saw improvement?
All but one of the five key sub-indexes improved, including confidence in major purchases and personal finances.
What time period did GfK's survey cover?
The survey polled 2,000 adults in the UK between July 30 and August 12.

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