The CBI Distributive Trades survey is a leading indicator of the UK retail and wholesale sectors, providing early insights into consumer spending patterns. It covers approximately 150 companies, including retailers, wholesalers, and motor traders, asking them to compare current sales volumes with the previous year. The survey is highly regarded for its timeliness, as it is released ahead of official government retail sales data. A positive balance indicates growth in the sector, which is often seen as a sign of overall economic health and consumer confidence.
The index is calculated as a 'weighted balance' of respondents reporting an increase in sales minus those reporting a decrease. The data is seasonally adjusted to account for predictable variations throughout the year.
| Date | Actual | Forecast | Surprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25, 2026 | — | -22.00 | — |
| Aug 26, 2026 | -48.00 | -24.00 | -24.00 |
| Jul 27, 2026 | -26.00 | -45.00 | +19.00 |
| Jun 25, 2026 | -54.00 | -41.00 | -13.00 |
| May 26, 2026 | -46.00 | -60.00 | +14.00 |
| Apr 27, 2026 | -68.00 | -48.00 | -20.00 |
| Mar 24, 2026 | -52.00 | -40.00 | -12.00 |
| Feb 24, 2026 | -43.00 | -16.00 | -27.00 |
| Jan 22, 2026 | -17.00 | -35.00 | +18.00 |
| Dec 19, 2025 | -44.00 | -30.00 | -14.00 |
| Nov 25, 2025 | -32.00 | -30.00 | -2.00 |
| Oct 27, 2025 | -27.00 | -27.00 | 0.00 |
| Sep 25, 2025 | -29.00 | -26.00 | -3.00 |
| Aug 27, 2025 | -32.00 | -33.00 | +1.00 |
| Jul 28, 2025 | -34.00 | -26.00 | -8.00 |
| Jun 26, 2025 | -46.00 | -32.00 | -14.00 |
| May 27, 2025 | -27.00 | -18.00 | -9.00 |
| Apr 28, 2025 | -8.00 | -20.00 | +12.00 |
| Mar 25, 2025 | -41.00 | -28.00 | -13.00 |
| Feb 25, 2025 | -23.00 | -25.00 | +2.00 |
| Jan 24, 2025 | -24.00 | -5.00 | -19.00 |
| Dec 20, 2024 | -15.00 | -9.00 | -6.00 |
| Nov 26, 2024 | -18.00 | -14.00 | -4.00 |
| Oct 28, 2024 | -6.00 | 10.00 | -16.00 |
| Sep 27, 2024 | 4.00 | -19.00 | +23.00 |
| Aug 27, 2024 | -27.00 | -11.00 | -16.00 |
| Jul 29, 2024 | -43.00 | -20.00 | -23.00 |
| Jun 26, 2024 | -24.00 | 1.00 | -25.00 |
| May 28, 2024 | 8.00 | -24.00 | +32.00 |
| Apr 25, 2024 | -44.00 | -2.00 | -42.00 |
| Mar 25, 2024 | 2.00 | -15.00 | +17.00 |
| Feb 26, 2024 | -7.00 | -47.00 | +40.00 |
| Jan 25, 2024 | -50.00 | -30.00 | -20.00 |
| Dec 21, 2023 | -32.00 | -12.00 | -20.00 |
| Nov 27, 2023 | -11.00 | -30.00 | +19.00 |
| Oct 26, 2023 | -36.00 | -16.00 | -20.00 |
| Sep 25, 2023 | -14.00 | -23.00 | +9.00 |
| Aug 24, 2023 | -44.00 | -32.00 | -12.00 |
| Jul 27, 2023 | -25.00 | -2.00 | -23.00 |
| Jun 26, 2023 | -9.00 | — | — |
| May 25, 2023 | -10.00 | 10.00 | -20.00 |
| Apr 26, 2023 | 5.00 | 9.00 | -4.00 |
| Mar 27, 2023 | 1.00 | -6.00 | +7.00 |
| Feb 23, 2023 | 2.00 | -13.00 | +15.00 |
| Jan 26, 2023 | -23.00 | -5.00 | -18.00 |
| Dec 21, 2022 | 11.00 | -23.00 | +34.00 |
| Nov 28, 2022 | -19.00 | -7.00 | -12.00 |
| Oct 27, 2022 | 18.00 | -38.00 | +56.00 |
| Sep 23, 2022 | -20.00 | 10.00 | -30.00 |
| Aug 25, 2022 | 37.00 | -7.00 | +44.00 |
| Jul 26, 2022 | -4.00 | -9.00 | +5.00 |
