FX.co ★ UK Consumer Confidence Hits More Than 2-Year High

The UK GfK Consumer Confidence Index rose to -13 in September 2026 from -14 in August, unexpectedly marking its highest level since August 2024 as households grew more optimistic about their personal finances. The reading beat market expectations of -16 and followed shortly after the Labour Party took office, adding to recent signs of resilience in the economy. Confidence in the general economic outlook also climbed to its strongest level since August 2024, while sentiment about personal finances reached an eight-month high. Separate YouGov/Cebr and LSEG/Ipsos surveys published this month likewise recorded their highest readings since February. However, BRC/Opinium and S&P Global surveys showed a decline in consumer confidence, underscoring a mixed overall picture. GfK noted that confidence remains firmly in negative territory and cautioned that worsening inflation expectations, alongside rising energy and fuel costs, could weigh on households and potentially cause consumer sentiment to weaken.