The consumer confidence level is -13, with scores above nought being seen as a positive score, but the 2026 core was six points higher than the same time last year.

The measure for the general economic situation over the last 12 months increased by four points to -36, which was nine points better than a year ago.

Expectations for the general economic situation over the coming 12 months rose by one point to -22, 10 points above September last year.

The index measuring changes in personal finances over the past year was up three points to -3, and four points higher than September 2025.

The forecast for personal finances over the next year is up one point at five, one point higher than this time last year.

However, the major purchase index fell one point to -8 in September, up eight points from September last year.

The savings index is up five points to a positive score of 27, five points higher than in 2025.

The results are based on a nationally representative sample of 2,000 in the UK.

Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said: “The return of higher inflation removes one of the strongest positives seen in previous months. 

“While the headline score continues to improve, confidence is still firmly in negative territory. With inflation, energy and fuel prices rising, could we soon see consumer sentiment falter?”