Consumer Confidence Improves In September

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index has increased two points to -25 for September. Three measures increased, one decreased and one stayed the same in comparison to the August 21st announcement.

Joe Staton, Client Strategy Director GfK, says: “Despite unfavourable double-dip economic headwinds and the threat of a second lockdown, we have seen an uptick for September as the Overall Index Score climbs to -25 from the near-historic low of -36 in our early June ‘flash’. This means consumer confidence has crept forward for nearly four months in a row now, but can this fragile improvement last or is it about to come to a grinding halt? "Looking ahead over the rest of 2020 and beyond, keep an eye on our personal finance measure for the coming year and the major purchase intentions of consumers. These reflect how much we intend to spend, shop or invest, all vital considerations for retailers as we enter the ‘golden quarter’ in the run-up to Christmas. However, consumers are as jittery as stock markets right now and as the UK government puts the brakes back on – and there may be more to come – only an unbridled optimist will bet on confidence climbing further.”

UK Consumer Confidence Measures – September 2020
The Overall Index Score increased two points to -25 for September. Three measures increased, one decreased and one stayed the same in comparison to the August 21st announcement.

Personal Financial Situation
The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months is down two points to -7; this is nine points lower than September 2019. The forecast for personal finances over the next 12 months is unchanged this month at +1; this is three points lower than September 2019.

General Economic Situation
The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months has increased by one point to -61; this is 29 points lower than in September 2019. Expectations for the general economic situation over the coming 12 months are up four points at -38 points; this is three points lower than September 2019.

Major Purchase Index
The Major Purchase Index has increased by four points to -21 in September; this is 24 points lower than it was in September 2019. Savings Index The Savings Index has dropped one point to +20 in September; this is three points lower than this time last year.

Source : GfK

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