RTTNews reports that survey data from the market research group GfK showed that UK consumer sentiment strengthened more-than-expected in July to reach ahead of its March 2020 pre-lockdown level.

The consumer sentiment index rose to -7 in July from -9 in the previous month. The expected reading was -8.

Among components of the consumer sentiment index, two measures were up in comparison to June, two measures were down and one stayed the same in July.

The assessment of the past personal financial situation fell to -1 from zero in June, while the outlook for the personal financial situation held steady at 11.

Consumers' view about the past general economic situation climbed to -43 from -47, while expectations for the general economic conditions worsened to -5 from -2.