empty
 
 

26.08.202610:23:43UTC+00UK Retail Activity Slumps in August: CBI

The CBI’s headline retail sales balance dropped to -48 in August 2026 from -26 in July, sharply undershooting market expectations of -24. Retailers reported notably weaker sales volumes, and trading remained subdued across the wider distribution sector. This deterioration weighed on both hiring and investment plans.

Despite the weaker backdrop, retailers anticipate some improvement in September: the sales expectations balance rose to -22, its highest level since March. However, sales relative to the time of year also deteriorated, slipping to -26 from -18 in July.

The CBI’s quarterly business situation balance fell further to -29 from -15 in May, underlining the persistent pressures facing the sector. Even so, investment intentions strengthened markedly, improving to -16 from -52 in May—their most positive reading since February 2024. Employment trends also showed signs of resilience, with retailers reducing headcount at the slowest rate since November 2025.

  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Chancy Deposit
    Deposit your account with $3,000 and get $1000 more!
    In August we raffle $1000 within the Chancy Deposit campaign!
    Get a chance to win by depositing $3,000 to a trading account. Having fulfilled this condition, you become a campaign participant.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • Trade Wise, Win Device
    Top up your account with at least $500, sign up for the contest, and get a chance to win mobile devices.
    JOIN CONTEST
  • 30% Bonus
    Receive a 30% bonus every time you top up your account
    GET BONUS


Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback