The index saw all but one measure rise in October, with a two-point increase in confidence in personal finances over the past year, reaching a total of -5.

This was offset by a one-point drop in expectations for personal finances for the year ahead compared with the prior month, albeit remaining in positive territory with a score of three and five points higher than in October 2024.

Confidence in the general economic situation of the country over the past year rose three points to -42, the same score as a year ago, while expectations for economic performance over the year ahead increased two points to -30.

The major purchase index, which measures whether now is a good time to make a major purchase, was up four points to -12, while the savings index jumped seven points to a positive score of 29.

The results were based on a nationally representative survey of 2,004 people carried out between 1^st and 14^th October 2025.

Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, said: “This uptick is partly driven by major retailer sales events held earlier in the month. After several years of high inflation, savvy consumers have adapted their purchasing strategies to make the most of their money when discounts are most attractive.

“Where possible, many now delay major purchases until one of these sales events – and the biggest of all is Black Friday, on 28th November. Both consumers and UK retailers will be watching closely to see whether the chancellor’s Budget, to be announced just two days before Black Friday, boosts or dampens spending during that crucial weekend.”