Consumer outlook edged up +2 index points in June, according to GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index, however while shoppers’ positivity improved this month, it still remains negative at -18 overall.

Consumer confidence was also -17 points lower than June of last year as inflation continues to bite and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and tariff uncertainty makes shoppers’ outlooks more fragile.

“Consumers have been resolute in their views on their wallets, with June’s personal financial situation scores (past and future) unchanged from May,” Neil Bellamy, GfK’s Consumer Insights Director, said. “Yet confidence is still fragile because the dark shadow of inflation is a day-to-day challenge for so many of us.”

The forecast for personal finances over the next 12 months remained unchanged at +2 on GfK’s index in June – the same level as May – however, it remains -2 index points down compared to 2024.

“With petrol prices set to rise in the coming weeks following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, and with ongoing uncertainty as to the full impact of tariffs, there is still much that could negatively impact consumers,” Bellamy continued. “With so much volatility, now is certainly not the time to hope for the proverbial ‘light at the end of the tunnel’.”