FX.co ★ UK CBI Retail Sales Fall the Least in 6 Months

In April 2025, the Confederation of British Industry's retail sales index for the United Kingdom rose to -8, marking its highest level in six months and significantly improving from March's -41, surpassing market forecasts of -20. However, the outlook projected by the CBI for May has declined to -33, the lowest it has been in over a year. Despite the slower decline noted in April, businesses remain anxious about weak consumer confidence, policy measures introduced in the Autumn Budget, and ongoing global economic uncertainties. Retailers are calling on the government to take action to enhance both business and consumer confidence, as no sales rebound is anticipated. Although official statistics indicated an unexpected rise in retail sales for March, the impact of increasing household expenses and tensions from the US-China trade conflict have negatively influenced consumer sentiment. In addition, wholesale sales experienced a significant drop, with expectations of a continued downturn into May.