Consumer confidence increased by 0.9 points movement in August 2026, according to the latest data from YouGov and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The Consumer Confidence index rose from 105.5 to 106.4. Any score greater than 100 indicates positive sentiment, while a score of less than 100 indicates negative sentiment.

It was another month of positive movements in Britons’ perceptions of their household finances. The measure looking at the past thirty days went up 0.8, from 86.9 to 87.7. Their outlook for the next 12 months increased 1.1, from 88.5 to 89.6. While these moves are positive, it is worth noting that both measures are in negative territory overall.

Business activity measures were more positive, with retrospective and forward-looking business activity measures increasing last month. Scores for the past 30 days increased from 104.9 to 107.8 (+2.9), while outlook jumped from 115.2 to 117.7 (+2.5).

However, workers were less enthusiastic about their job security, with measures for the past 30 days showing a drop of -0.8 points from 92.3 to 91.5 to 104.9, while the forward-looking metric saw an increase from 116.1 to 117.3 (+1.2).

House price measures only saw small movements. Retrospective measures moved from 114.6 to 111.6 (+.0.2), while outlook declined slightly from 128.5 to 128.1 (-0.4).

Sam Miley, Head of Forecasting and Thought Leadership, Cebr, said: “The recent increase in the YouGov/Cebr Consumer Confidence Index was broad-based. The business activity components were the main drivers, off the back of data showing robust growth in the first half of the year. The metric is also showing ongoing momentum. Not since early 2024 has confidence recorded such an extended sequence of improvement. There do remain headwinds, however, notably from inflation and continued geopolitical uncertainty.”