UK consumer confidence rose in October as four measures increased during the month.

According to the latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index, overall figures increased by two points to -17 in October. Four measures were up and one was down in comparison to last month’s announcement.

The Major Purchase Index, which includes big ticket items such as furniture, is up four points at -12, a nine-point improvement over this time last year.

The measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months is up three points to -42; this is the same as in October 2024.

The index measuring changes in personal finances over the last year has increased by two points to -5, marking a five-point improvement from October 2024.

The Savings Index has jumped seven points to +29 in October; this is two points better than this time last year.

Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights Director at GfK, an NIQ Company, says: “Consumer confidence registered a marginal increase in October. Buying sentiment is up on last month, with a four-point rise in our Major Purchase Index, which tracks consumers’ intentions to buy big-ticket items such as electrical goods and furniture.

“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 November 28.

“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.”