EMBARGOED 'TIL 0001 FRIDAY 18 JUNE Consumer confidence edges higher in June - GfK

(Sharecast News) - British consumer confidence ticked higher in June, a long-running survey showed on Friday, as hopes grew for the economic outlook. The latest GfK consumer confidence index was -18, still in negative territory but up two points on May and five on April.

Within that, the indices for the personal finance situation over the last 12 months and expectations for the next year were unchanged.

But the gauge for expectations for the general economic situation jumped five points to -28.

Respondents were also more upbeat about the economy over the last year, with the sub-index rising three points to -43.

The savings index - which is not included in the overall score - dipped one point, while the major purchase index was unchanged.

Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, sounded a note of caution, however.

"Confidence is still fragile, because the dark shadow of inflation is a day-to-day challenge for so many of us," he said.

"With petrol prices set to rise in the coming weeks following the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, and with ongoing uncertainty as to the full impact of tariffs, there is still much that could negatively impact consumers."

A total of 2,001 adults were interviewed between 30 May and 13 June.

The survey, which has been running since 1974, is published jointly by GfK and its founder, the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions.