UK consumer sentiment ticks higher
By Abigail Townsend
Date: Monday 20 Jul 2026
(Sharecast News) - UK consumer confidence picked up in July, a closely-watched survey showed on Monday, as geopolitical tensions eased marginally.
The S&P Global UK consumer sentiment index rose to a four-month high of 43.4 from 42.2 in June. Within that, respondents were more confident about their current finances, with a balance of 38.1, and how they expect their finances to pan out in 12 months' time. The forward-looking house finance index rose to 43.3 from 42.8 a month earlier.
Views on making major purchases rose to 32.8 from 29.4, while the labour market sentiment index ticked up to 49.4 from 48.9. The latest UK employment data is due out on Tuesday.
All the readings, however, remained below the 50.0 benchmark. Prints above 50.0 suggest an improvement while those below it indicate a deterioration.
Maryam Baluch, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: "UK consumers were less downbeat in July, helped by a period of calmer geopolitical conditions and lower energy prices, as the US-Iran ceasefire held at the start of the month."
Data were collected between 2 and 6 July.
"However, although improved sentiment was seen across the various labour market indicators tracked by the survey, job security remained a key point of concern for households, as has been the case throughout much of 2026," she added.
"The latest data underlines how exposed UK households are to geopolitical shocks, particularly when events feed through to higher energy prices back home."
Oil prices fell sharply when Tehran and Washington agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease hostilities while a long-lasting peace deal was negotiated. However, in recent weeks talks appear to have proved largely fruitless, with both sides breaking the ceasefire to trade attacks and energy prices once again rising.
Running since 2009, the CSI is based on responses to a survey sent to a panel of 1,500 UK households.
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