Retail sales in the UK blew past expectations in August, climbing to their highest level since July 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Sales were up one per cent compared to the previous month,

Retail sales rise in August despite hit to consumer confidence - Retail sales rose 1% last month as warmer weather and end-of-season deals helped to boost supermarkets and clothes stores.

Consumer confidence in the US improved slightly in early September, with the preliminary University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index edging higher to 69 from 67.9 in August. This reading came in above the market expectation of 68. The Current Conditions Index rose to 62.9 from 61.3 and the Consumer Expectations Index improved to 73 from 72.1.

But first, we turn to the UK, where consumer confidence has fallen sharply as households anticipate what Sir Keir Starmer has warned will be a “painful” Budget.

US consumer sentiment rose to a four-month high in early September, helped by the tamest short-term inflation expectations since the end of 2020 and prospects for lower borrowing costs.

U.S. consumer sentiment improved in September amid subsiding inflation, though Americans remained cautious ahead of the November presidential election, a survey showed on Friday.