UK consumer confidence rises between May & July – Tesco

- Overall the consumer confidence index rose from 104 to 109 in the three months to the end of July – its highest ever point for this survey, but still low compared with historic data.

- The proportion of consumers agreeing that the economic situation in the country had improved in the last few months rose from 10% in April to 21% in July. Those thinking that the economy had declined in the recent past fell markedly to 34% in July from 55% in April.

- Those believing that the economy will improve rose from 16% in April to 24% in July, while the proportion of consumers believing the economy will worsen fell from 40% in April to 28% in July.

- Whilst the proportion of the population feeling increasing pressure on their finances has fallen in recent months (from 41% in April to 33% in July), a greater proportion of the population still believe that the economic outlook is gloomy rather than hopeful.

- 16% of households rate their finances as poor or very poor. This rises to 26% for lower income households.

- Those from lower income households show greater concern and pessimism across the board at their financial situation and prospects.

A greater proportion of this group think that the general economic situation has worsened (44%), a lower proportion expect it to improve (17%) and a far higher proportion rate their household finances as poor or worse (26% versus just 10% for high income consumers).

Tesco