Global Finance News
21 Aug 2026, 10:48
# UK Retail Sales Slow Sharply in July, Missing Forecasts
UK retail sales growth weakened significantly in July, pointing to softer consumer spending.
Headline retail sales rose 1.6% year over year, below the 2.2% forecast and sharply slower than the previous 3.8% increase.
Core retail sales, which exclude fuel, increased 2.3%, also missing expectations of 3.3% and slowing from 5.0% previously.
The weaker-than-expected figures suggest household demand lost momentum entering the second half of the year. For the Bank of England, softer consumption could reinforce concerns about economic growth and support a more cautious monetary-policy stance.
UK retail sales growth weakened significantly in July, pointing to softer consumer spending.
Headline retail sales rose 1.6% year over year, below the 2.2% forecast and sharply slower than the previous 3.8% increase.
Core retail sales, which exclude fuel, increased 2.3%, also missing expectations of 3.3% and slowing from 5.0% previously.
The weaker-than-expected figures suggest household demand lost momentum entering the second half of the year. For the Bank of England, softer consumption could reinforce concerns about economic growth and support a more cautious monetary-policy stance.
