GfK: Consumer Confidence Rises by One Point

GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index was up one point to -16 in January. Three measures were up, and two were down, 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:  “January 2026 brings an unwanted anniversary, marking 10 years since consumer confidence was last in positive territory. Even with a one-point increase in headline confidence this month to -16, we remain a long way from consumers feeling that better days are around the corner. Yes, perceptions of personal finances have improved, but this is offset by growing concerns about the economy. We’ve seen this pattern before. During periods of political and economic uncertainty – most notably in late 2022 – consumers became more cautious but also more self-reliant. What we’re witnessing now is a return to that mindset: people feel they can manage their own finances, but they remain unconvinced about the wider economic outlook. Let’s be clear – this isn’t optimism; it’s resilience. Consumers are once again focusing on what they can control – their own spending and saving – while confidence in the wider economy remains low. To many consumers, the UK economy is beginning to resemble an untethered boat drifting slowly out to sea.” 

GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer powered by NIM — UK Measures – January 2026 
The Overall Index Score rose by one point to -16 in January. Three measures were up, and two were down, compared to last month’s announcement.   

Personal Financial Situation  

The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last 12 months has increased by three points to -3. This is seven points higher than January 2025.  

The forecast for personal finances over the next year is up four points to 6. This is eight points better than this time last year. 

General Economic Situation  

The measure for the country’s general economic situation over the last 12 months decreased by five points to -45. This is one point better than January 2025.     

Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months are down two points in January to -31. This is three points better than this time last year.  

Major Purchase Index  

The Major Purchase Index rose by 1 point to -10, which is 10 points better than last year.  

Savings Index 

The Savings Index increased four points to 28; this is two points lower than last year. This measure is commented on but not included in the Overall Index Score. 

Source : GfK - an NIQ company

Image : 1437249113 / fizkes / shutterstock

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