The GfK Consumer Confidence Index increased six points to -30 in April compared with last month – a 20-point recovery since January this year. 

 

Consumers’ confidence in their personal financial situation over the past 12 months rose five points to -21, two points lower than the same time last year. 

Looking at their financial situation over the next 12 months consumers’ confidence increased eight points to -13, up 13 points from this time last year. 

The index measuring the general economic situation of the country over the past 12 months saw a seven-point increase to -55. 

Forecasts for the general economic situation over the next 12 months increased by six points to -34, a 21-point increase compared with April 2022. 

The major purchase index was up five points to -28.

GfK client strategy director Joe Staton said: “As food and energy prices continue to rise and inflation eats into wages, the cost-of-living crisis is a painful day-to-day reality for many. But are all consumers buckling under the pressure? On the evidence of April’s confidence figures, the answer is no.  

“Instead, there’s a sudden flowering of optimism with big improvements across the board. The eight-point jump in how we see prospects for our personal financial situation is a dramatic change that might suggest household finances are stronger than we thought.  

“The brighter views on what the general economy has in store for us, with April’s six-point rise cementing a 20-point improvement since January, could even be seen as the proverbial ‘green shoots of recovery’.  

“Moreover, the Major Purchase Index at -28 is higher than it has been for a year and will bring much-needed cheer to retailers as we head into summer. This is the third month in a row that confidence overall has improved; can we look forward to this momentum building for the year ahead?”