UK card spending reached a 13-month high in August, with overall spending growing 2.1 per cent year-on-year, according to fresh data from Barclays. This follows a two per cent growth recorded in July, with both essential and non-essential spending up by 2.1 per cent.
The increase was primarily driven by a rebound in the entertainment and travel industries. Entertainment spending saw a 7.2 per cent rise, with Barclays noting cinema successes and bowling alleys as people sought air-conditioned venues during a heatwave. Travel also increased by 3.1 per cent, as more holidaymakers opted for staycations.
Despite this, some non-essential big ticket spending declined, with home improvements down 0.9 per cent and department stores down 2.2 per cent. Fuel spending experienced the highest spike, growing 13.2 per cent, a trend linked to petrol price surges following disruption in the oil market due to the US-Iran war.
Jack Meaning, chief UK economist at Barclays, stated that consumer spending and confidence remained resilient in August, even as pressures from the Middle East conflict began to affect prices. He suggested consumers could "weather the bout" of temporary inflation, but warned of risks if the conflict persists or intensifies, potentially requiring households to be more discerning with their spending.
Confidence in household finances edged up to 66 per cent in August from 64 per cent in July. However, confidence in the economy dropped to 26 per cent from 30 per cent the previous month, impacted by external pressures from persistent inflation and commodity price risks.