The GfK Consumer Confidence Index for the UK rose to -17 in December 2025 from -19 in November, beating forecasts of -18 and signaling a modest improvement in sentiment ahead of the Christmas period. Despite the uptick, confidence remains subdued amid persistent cost-of-living pressures and broader economic uncertainty. All five components of the survey improved during the month, rebounding from a November downturn that had been weighed down by pre-budget uncertainty. The major purchase index, which gauges willingness to buy big-ticket items, climbed four points to -11, suggesting stronger holiday sales momentum compared with Black Friday last month. However, GfK Consumer Insights Director Neil Bellamy cautioned that “UK households continue to face cost-of-living pressures despite the recent easing in inflation, alongside rising economic uncertainty, and these conditions are likely to restrain consumer confidence.”