UK consumer confidence dips in February - GfK
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Friday 27 Feb 2026
(Sharecast News) - UK consumer confidence dipped in February as people grew more pessimistic about their personal finances, according to a survey released on Friday by GfK.
GfK's long-running consumer confidence index fell three points from January to -19, with three of the confidence measures down, one up and one flat.
The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months fell four points to -7 in February, while the index tracking the situation over the next year also declined four points, to 2.
The gauge tracking the general economic situation over the last 12 months ticked up to -44 in February from -45 the month before, while the index for the general situation over the next year was steady at -31.
The major purchase index dipped to -14 in February from -10 the month before. The savings index, which is not included in the overall index score, fell to 21 from 28.
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, an NIQ company, said: "After a modest improvement in recent months, consumer confidence is down three points in February, returning to the level seen in November 2025. This decline is mainly driven by weaker perceptions of personal finances - both looking back a year and ahead.
"Fewer people say that now is a good time to make major purchases (a measure that has dropped four points) and fewer consumers intend to save money (the savings index is down seven points). Although the rate of inflation is easing, prices continue to rise, forcing many households to prioritise day to day spending over longer-term needs.
"Views on the broader economy remain firmly in negative territory, with consumers anticipating only limited economic growth this year. Unemployment has now reached its highest level in nearly five years, and this is increasing concerns about job security, particularly given the backdrop of weak wage growth. With fewer entry level opportunities available, those on lower incomes are already feeling the strain, and this trend risks undermining the typically more optimistic outlook held by younger age groups."
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