UK Retail Sales Rise 1.0% in September Beating Forecasts

Key Facts

1UK like-for-like sales rose 1.0% in September, beating the 0.7% forecast.

2Fuel spending jumped nearly 17% as diesel prices hit record highs.

3Barclays card spending growth slowed to 2.0% as consumers worry about the October 28 budget.

UK like-for-like sales rose 1.0% in September, beating the 0.7% forecast. Reuters reported that while headline growth exceeded expectations, the increase was primarily driven by essential spending rather than discretionary goods.

Fuel spending jumped nearly 17% as diesel prices hit record highs, adding to stagflationary pressures on households. Barclays card spending data showed growth slowed to 2.0% as consumers expressed concern over the October 28 budget. In equity markets, BCS closed at $22.95 on October 9, 2026.