The consumer confidence index in the UK in September fell to the lowest in 6 months

The UK consumer confidence index in September 2024 fell to the lowest value in the last six months, amounting to -20 points, which is significantly lower than in July and June, when it was at the level of -13 points. 

For comparison, in September 2023, the index was at -27 points (previously reported at -21 points). All five components of the indicator showed a decrease compared to July.

The subindex, reflecting consumers' assessment of their financial situation over the past year, fell to -9 points (in August it was -7), which is better than a year earlier, when it was -18 points. Personal finance expectations for the next 12 months also worsened, falling to -3 points from +6 in the previous month. A year earlier, this indicator was at the level of -6 points.

Consumers' assessment of the overall economic situation over the past year has dropped to -37 points compared to -35 a month earlier. The forecast for the next 12 months deteriorated even more: to -27 points from -15 in August.

The willingness of the British to spend money on large purchases also decreased, the subindex fell to -23 points from -13 points in August. In September last year, this indicator was at the level of -28 points.

The average index of consumer confidence for the period from 1981 to 2024 is -10.9 points. The record value of 10 points was recorded in June 1987, while at least (-49 points) was recorded in September 2022.