Consumer Confidence Index Down in February

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index was down three points to -19 in February. Three measures were down, one was up and one was flat, compared to last month’s announcement. These are the current findings of the GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer (CCB) powered by NIM. The CCB has been published jointly by GfK and the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions (NIM), the founder of GfK, since October 2023.

Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ Company, says: “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.”

GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer powered by NIM — UK Measures – February 2026 

The Overall Index Score dropped by three points to -19 in February. Three measures were down, one was up and one was flat, compared to last month’s announcement. 

Personal Financial Situation  

The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months has decreased by four points to -7. This is the same as February 2025.  

The forecast for personal finances over the next year is down four points to 2. This is also the same score as last year.  

General Economic Situation  

The measure for the country’s general economic situation over the last 12 months increased by one point to -44. This also matches the score this time last year.  

Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months are unchanged at -31. This is the same as the score registered a year ago. 

Major Purchase Index  

The Major Purchase Index decreased by four points to -14, which is three points better than last year.

Savings Index 

The Savings Index decreased seven points to 21; this is nine points lower than last year. This measure is commented on but not included in the Overall Index Score. 

Source : GfK

Image : Ivan Balvan / iStock / 1164273151

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