28 April 2025 | Other

UK consumer sentiment remains gloomy despite slowing sales decline in April

UK consumer sentiment remains gloomy despite slowing sales decline in April

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reported that its monthly retail sales index remained negative in April at -8, though it hit the highest level since October 2024. By comparison, the index was at -41 in March, the lowest since last July.

Despite the slower decline, market sentiment remains pessimistic, according to Reuters. The latest survey data suggest a potential contraction in UK sales to -33 in May. The news agency's experts believe that last autumn's budget measures, subdued consumer confidence, and global trade uncertainty are the reasons for further deterioration of the index.

UK businesses are urging government intervention to restore buyer confidence, as rising household bills and Donald Trump’s trade tariffs continue to have a negative impact on consumer activity, Reuters notes.

Elena Berseneva MarketCheese
Period: 28.02.2026 Expectation: 3000 pips
Risk-on sentiment makes its way back to stock markets after Greenland de-escalation
Today at 07:12 AM 6
Period: 28.01.2026 Expectation: 700 pips
Geopolitical uncertainty caps EURUSD’s technical upside
Yesterday at 11:43 AM 40
Lyra_Moonwell1
Lyra_Moonwell1

Listed among the best MarketCheese authors
1st in the segment "Oil and gas"
Period: 04.02.2026 Expectation: 700 pips
USDCAD eyes key support at 1.3785 and 1.3750
Yesterday at 10:39 AM 27
Period: 28.02.2026 Expectation: 2300 pips
Buying USDJPY up to 160.00
Yesterday at 10:05 AM 37
Period: 28.02.2026 Expectation: 2100 pips
Investing in AUDUSD from 0.6650
Yesterday at 07:57 AM 30
Period: 28.01.2026 Expectation: 877 pips
Bearish turn for NVIDIA amid geopolitical headwinds
Yesterday at 06:53 AM 25
Go to forecasts