The Burnham bounce and World Cup surge have driven a sharp uptick in UK consumer confidence. GfK's July index rose six points to -17, the biggest monthly gain since November 2023. The data underscores how political shifts, major sporting events, and even weather can reshape consumer sentiment.
The Burnham Bounce: Political Change and Consumer Sentiment
Andy Burnham's byelection victory on 18 June placed the former mayor firmly in contention to become prime minister. This political shift gave consumers a renewed sense of optimism. GfK reported an eight-point improvement in consumers' outlook for the economy over the next year and a ten-point rise in views of the past year's performance. Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, described July as delivering “a wave of optimism” linked to the new prime ministerial prospect.
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World Cup and Weather Amplify the Mood
The men’s England football team’s strong run at the World Cup added to the feelgood factor. Combined with sunny weather, these catalysts lifted overall sentiment. However, the index remains well below the levels seen a decade ago before the 2016 Brexit vote—when the headline figure last hit positive territory.
Key Metrics and Comparison Table
The table below compares GfK’s five sub-indices for July 2025 versus the previous month and the year-ago period.
| Sub-Index | July 2025 | June 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Consumer Confidence | -17 | -23 | +6 |
| Economic Outlook (next 12 months) | -12 | -20 | +8 |
| Economic Performance (past 12 months) | -18 | -28 | +10 |
| Personal Financial Outlook | -5 | -7 | +2 |
| Major Purchase Intent | -8 | -14 | +6 |
Key Takeaways from the GfK Report
- Burnham bounce contributed significantly to improved economic confidence.
- World Cup and sunny weather reinforced positive sentiment.
- Personal finance outlook improved only modestly, limiting the overall recovery.
- The index remains in negative territory, indicating cautious optimism.
- Sustained government delivery on cost-of-living issues is needed to maintain momentum.
Despite the boost, Bellamy cautioned that without consistent economic policy delivery, the bounce could prove short-lived. Consumers remain wary of high living costs and global instability.
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