'Ripple of fear' over Iran war hits consumer confidence
A key survey indicates growing doubt among shoppers over prospects for the UK economy in the next year.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"A ripple of fear is spreading."
— Neil Bellamy , Executive
"The decline in GfK consumer confidence in March... is probably the start of a bigger fall and suggests real household spending growth will soften in 2026."
— Ashley Webb , Academic
"With confidence weakening, costs rising due to higher freight and energy costs and spending intentions faltering, the outlook for retailers looks set to be an increasing struggle in the months to come."
— Susannah Streeter , Academic
Key People
Ashley Webb is an economist at Capital Economics providing insights on UK consumer sentiment.
Neil Bellamy is associated with GfK, a research firm that conducts consumer confidence surveys.
Chief investment strategist at Wealth Club discussing tech companies.
Locations
All Coverage
A key survey indicates growing doubt among shoppers over prospects for the UK economy in the next year.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
European shares muted as investors assess Iran-Oman talks, U.S. inflation - Reuters
European shares muted as investors assess Iran-Oman talks, U.S. inflation Reuters
August 26, 2026 at 04:41 PMOil falls 4% as investors shrug off US sanctions on Iran - Reuters
Oil falls 4% as investors shrug off US sanctions on Iran Reuters
August 25, 2026 at 06:18 PMIndian shares extend cautious trade on concerns over Iran sanctions - Reuters
Indian shares extend cautious trade on concerns over Iran sanctions Reuters
August 24, 2026 at 02:22 AMOil set for second weekly rise as unsettled US-Iran war crimps supply - Reuters
Oil set for second weekly rise as unsettled US-Iran war crimps supply Reuters
August 21, 2026 at 01:50 AMWar weighs on Iran's economy as US intensifies sanctions - Reuters
War weighs on Iran's economy as US intensifies sanctions Reuters
August 29, 2026 at 02:04 AMOil on track for weekly loss even as Iran tensions simmer - Reuters
Oil on track for weekly loss even as Iran tensions simmer Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 06:44 AM