UK consumer confidence edged up in December as all five measures increased during the month, although confidence remained subdued after a year of no progress.
According to the latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index, overall figures rose two points to -17 in December. All measures were up compared to last month’s announcement.
The Major Purchase Index, which includes big ticket items such as furniture, went up by four points to -11; this is five points better than last year.
The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months has increased by one point to -6. This is one point higher than December 2024.
The measure for the country’s general economic situation over the last 12 months increased by three points to -40. This is one point lower than December 2024.
The Savings Index is unchanged at 24; this is three points higher than last year. This measure is commented on but not included in the Overall Index Score.
Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ Company, says: “It’s tempting to see festive cheer in December’s two-point improvement in consumer confidence. Are we seeing a sigh of relief that the Autumn Budget wasn’t as bad as most had feared? All five measures are up this month led by a four-point jump in major purchase intentions.
“This is a surprise finding for the UK high street because it contrasts with the Black Friday sales slump we reported on earlier this month. Have people decided to spend on Christmas regardless, and worry about 2026 later? However, looking at the full year, the December headline score of -17 is the same as 12 months ago, and on that basis 2025 has been a year of no progress.
“UK households still face cost-of-living pressures, despite the recent softening in inflation, along with rising economic uncertainty, and those conditions result in weaker consumer confidence. Sadly, consumers resemble a family on a festive winter hike, crossing a boggy field – plodding along stoically, getting stuck in the mud and hoping that easier conditions are not far off.”
