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UK Consumer Spending Cautious Amid Middle East Conflict

4/14/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UK consumer spending in March showed caution amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Non-food sales increased by 0.9% year-on-year, below the 12-month average of 1.1%.
Online non-food sales rose 0.1%, signaling weakened consumer confidence.
Travel spending declined 3.3% as many opted for staycations.
A Barclays survey shows 14% delaying major purchases due to uncertainty, with 74% expecting ongoing cost-of-living impacts.

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Story summary

UK consumer spending in March showed caution amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Non-food sales increased by 0.9% year-on-year, below the 12-month average of 1.1%.
Online non-food sales rose 0.1%, signaling weakened consumer confidence.
Travel spending declined 3.3% as many opted for staycations.
A Barclays survey shows 14% delaying major purchases due to uncertainty, with 74% expecting ongoing cost-of-living impacts.