UK Consumer Sentiment Improves as GfK Confidence Index Rises to -17 in July

Consumer confidence in the United Kingdom improved in July, with the GfK Consumer Confidence Index rising to -17 from -23 in June 2026. The latest reading, updated on 23 July 2026, signals a notable uptick in sentiment, even though the index remains in negative territory.

The six-point gain suggests that households are feeling somewhat less pessimistic about their personal finances and the broader economic outlook than a month earlier. While confidence is still below zero—indicating that caution prevails among consumers—the July move marks a meaningful shift from the weaker sentiment seen in June.

Analysts and market participants will be watching future releases closely to see whether this improvement consolidates into a sustained trend, which could support consumer spending and influence expectations around the UK’s economic trajectory in the second half of 2026.