UK consumer confidence hits highest level in two years in August - GfK
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Friday 21 Aug 2026
(Sharecast News) - UK consumer confidence hit its highest level in two years in August, according to a survey released on Friday by GfK.
GfK's long-running consumer confidence index improved to -14 from -17 in July, with four of the confidence measures up and one down.
The index for personal finances over the last 12 months ticked up two points from July to -6, while the gauge tracking expectations for personal finances over the next year rose three points to 4 in August.
The measure for the general economic situation over the last 12 months dipped to -40 in August from -39 the month before, while the index for the general situation over the next year rose five points to -23.
The survey showed that more people thought it was a good time to make a major purchase, with that sub-index up five points to -7. The savings index, which is not included in the overall index score, was five points lower in August at 22.
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, an NIQ company, said: "Does all this mean that people have greater faith in the new government to increase growth and job opportunities? Can consumers finally see an end to the cost-of-living crisis? It would be tempting to say yes, but frankly it's too soon to tell.
"With inflation back on the rise - now at 2.9% and the highest in four months - and with continued uncertainty in the Middle East and elsewhere, there are still many challenges ahead that will test the mettle of UK consumers."
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