The UK GfK Consumer Confidence Index rose to -13 in September 2026 from -14 in August, unexpectedly reaching its highest level since August 2024 as households became more optimistic about their personal finances. The reading was above market expectations of -16 and came shortly after the governing Labour Party came to power, adding to recent signs of resilience in the economy. Confidence in the economic outlook also climbed to its highest level since August 2024, while the mood around personal finances reached an eight-month high. Separate YouGov/Cebr and LSEG/Ipsos surveys published this month also recorded their highest readings since February. However, BRC/Opinium and S&P Global surveys showed consumer confidence falling, highlighting a mixed picture. GfK said confidence remains firmly in negative territory and warned that deteriorating inflation expectations could weigh on households as energy and fuel prices rise, potentially causing consumer sentiment to falter.