Key facts
- UK consumer confidence rose to -13 in September, its highest level since August 2024.
- The GfK survey showed improved optimism regarding personal finances and the economic outlook.
- A Reuters poll of economists had forecast a fall in confidence to -16 for September.
British consumer confidence unexpectedly reached a more than two-year high in September, driven by households' growing optimism about their personal finances and the overall economic outlook. The GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer increased by one point to -13, surpassing economists' expectations of a fall to -16 and marking the highest reading since August 2024.
Confidence in personal finances specifically hit an eight-month high, while the outlook for the broader economy also improved to its best level since August 2024. Despite the positive trend in the headline figure, confidence remains in negative territory. Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, noted that rising inflation, energy, and fuel prices could potentially dampen consumer sentiment in the future.