UK consumer confidence holds steady as younger households turn more cautious
British consumer sentiment remains subdued in June as households weigh political uncertainty and a fragile economic outlook. While the headline confidence reading is unchanged from May, younger consumers grow more pessimistic about both the economy and their personal finances.
Highlights
- GfK's UK Consumer Confidence Index remains at minus 23 in June, defying forecasts for a drop to minus 24 but masking underlying weakness.
- Confidence among people aged 16 to 29 falls 11 points to minus 2, marking a two-year low and signaling sharper caution among younger households.
- Households' general economic outlook over the past year drops two points to minus 49, while major purchase intentions remain at a joint low of minus 20 since January 2025.
June survey signals weakening sentiment beneath stable headline
As reported by Reuters, GfK's monthly Consumer Confidence Index stays at minus 23 in June, unchanged from May and slightly above economists' median forecast in a Reuters poll for a fall to minus 24. The survey reflects 2,003 responses collected between May 29 and June 10.Neil Bellamy, GfK's consumer insights director, says the lack of movement in the headline figure is misleading because fresh signs of weakening confidence are emerging below the surface. Confidence among people aged 16 to 29 falls by 11 points to minus 2, its weakest level in two years.
Consumers' assessment of their personal financial situation over the past 12 months declines by three points to minus 10, while expectations for the coming year remain at minus 2. Intentions to make major purchases are unchanged at minus 20, matching their joint lowest level since January 2025.
Household outlook points to persistent pressure on spending
Households' view of the general economic outlook over the past year falls by two points to minus 49, underscoring continuing pressure on consumer sentiment in the UK. Their expectations for the coming 12 months improve by two points to minus 36, but remain deeply negative.The June readings suggest consumers are still bracing for tougher conditions even as some forward-looking measures stabilize. That leaves a mixed picture for retailers and the broader consumer economy, with younger households showing the sharpest deterioration in confidence.
UK government reforms to the home-buying process outlined plans to cut delays and reduce failed property transactions by requiring sellers to provide upfront information packs before listing. Our publication previously noted the push to bring binding agreements earlier in the process and introduce penalties for late pull-outs, alongside wider digitisation measures aimed at lowering wasted costs for buyers and sellers.
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