GfK confidence rises to highest level since August 2024

GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer rose one point in September to a reported reading of 13, its highest level since August 2024, while confidence remained in negative territory. The increase marked the third consecutive monthly rise, the first such run since summer 2024, and came despite concerns about inflation and household costs. GfK consumer insights director Neil Bellamy said rising inflation, energy and fuel prices could weigh on sentiment and warned that confidence might falter. The September improvement reflects a survey result, not evidence that household confidence has returned to positive territory. The reports contain conflicting signs for the headline measure: most give a reading of 13, while one gives minus 13. They agree on the one-point monthly increase, the highest level since August 2024 and the index remaining negative, so the sign discrepancy cannot be resolved from the available information. The survey showed gains across several measures. Perceptions of the economy over the previous year improved by four points, while views of personal finances over the same period rose by three points.