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Consumer confidence slides as price pressures mount - GfK
By Abigail Townsend
Date: Thursday 23 Apr 2026
(Sharecast News) - Consumer confidence fell for the third month in a row in April, a long-running survey showed on Thursday, hitting a near three-year low.
According to the latest consumer confidence barometer from GfK, part of retail consultancy NIQ, the overall score fell four points to -25, the lowest since October 2023.
Within that, consumers flagged they were becoming more concerned about both the economy and their own finances.
The forward-looking personal financial situation sub-index lost five points to -4, while expectations for the economy over the next 12 months fell to -43 from -37 in March.
The savings index, which is not included in the overall score, rose five points to 32.
The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of February has seen global energy prices soar, reigniting inflation fears and dashing hopes for further immediate cuts to the cost of borrowing. At its last meeting in March, the Bank of England opted to leave Bank Rate unchanged and said it stood ready to tackle any uplift in inflation.
Swap markets are now pricing in interest rate rises this year.
In addition, despite the fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran being extended this week, both Washington and Tehran appear deeply entrenched in the conflict, with no immediate signs of a permanent peace plan.
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said: "Consumers really do have the jitters now.
"Everyone is grappling with rapid price rises, especially at the fuel pumps, and people know further price hikes are coming. The only measure to go up is our savings index, often an indication that people are concerned about what lies ahead, so those who can are building contingency funds."
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