A key measure of global consumer confidence fell for the first time in the current recovery cycle, breaking a months-long stretch of steady gains.
The four-week moving average for global consumer sentiment slipped 0.32 points to 99.44 in the week ending August 2, 2026. The reading follows a continuous rise from an April 19 low of 93.2.
The decline reflected a broad shift across international markets. A majority of the panel moved backward for the first time since the war-period collapse, with 25 out of 48 tracked countries recording a lower four-week moving average.
The dip comes alongside mixed economic indicators globally. Brent crude oil prices dropped by more than 5%, and natural gas prices continued to ease. However, ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved, maintaining uncertainty around future energy supplies and macroeconomic conditions.
Economic trends across major geographic regions revealed contrasting performances:
Americas
The United States held virtually flat, with its four-week moving average sitting at 90.4. Canada saw a notable shift, dropping 1.0 point to 77.5. In South America, Colombia gained 1.6 points to reach 122.5, while Brazil slipped 1.3 points to 117.9, though both countries remain above their January baselines. Chile remained the region’s largest laggard at 83.4, down 18.7% compared to January, while Argentina posted a reading of 86.3, down 11.9% from the start of the year.
Europe
Germany ended its recent upward trajectory, falling 1.2 points to a four-week moving average of 75.5. Austria dropped for a fifth consecutive week to 68.8, leaving it 14.3% below its January baseline—the lowest mark in Europe. Movements across Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Poland were minor, staying within half a point of previous levels. The United Kingdom edged up 0.3 points to 74.0, and Sweden rose 0.4 points to 85.4.
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates experienced minor declines of 0.6 and 0.7 points, settling at averages of 151.7 and 146.9, respectively. Both continue to hold near historic highs, supported by oil revenues. Israel’s average fell 5.5 points to 102.0, primarily reflecting the rollout of a high early-July baseline figure, as its weekly spot reading remained stable. Nigeria recorded the largest gain in the region, rising 1.5 points to 115.2. Turkey’s average dipped slightly to 69.6, but it retains the largest positive expansion relative to January across all tracked markets, up 17.7%.
Asia-Pacific
China’s four-week average fell 2.1 points to 162.0. The movement largely reflected a delayed reaction to a sharp drop in late July, while its immediate weekly data showed a slight tick upward. Within China, near-term personal finance and buying sentiment showed signs of rebound, while 12-month and 5-year business condition outlooks remained near recent lows. This divergence coincides with China drawing on strategic oil reserves to offset reduced Iranian crude imports following the start of the war.
Elsewhere in the region, the Philippines recorded a 1.6-point drop to 110.2. Singapore posted a four-week average of 106.4, remaining 12.9% below its January starting level despite small weekly improvements. Japan (64.2) and India (127.7) were unchanged, while Australia (87.9) held firm. Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand all recorded modest gains.
READ: Florida Sen. Rick Scott Calls To End Filibuster In Wall Street Journal Letter
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
