The UK consumer confidence index for July jumped to minus 17 from minus 23 in June, far exceeding the Reuters forecast of minus 21. It was the highest level since January, and the month-on-month rise was the largest since November 2023. After a prolonged period of uncertainty about the future, hopes for the new prime minister, a heatwave, and the football World Cup provided support, signaling signs of recovery. Neil Bellamy of GfK noted that expectations of political renewal with Burnham succeeding former Prime Minister Starmer likely contributed to the index's rebound. The index measuring households' assessment of the general economy over the past year rose 10 points to minus 39, the index for the economic outlook over the next year rose 8 points to minus 28, and willingness to make major purchases rose 8 points to minus 12, all showing improvement.