The overall index score in July hit -11, up two points ahead of the score registered in June and down one point in comparison with the score of -10 recorded during the same period last year.

According to the GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index, shopper sentiment registered the most significant jumps of six points each across the savings and major purchase index, which hit 25 and four respectively.

Shoppers’ confidence levels in their personal finances in the preceding 12 months and for the year ahead both recorded increases, up two points to one and five points to seven respectively.