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.

Regional Trends

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.

In the 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.

In 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.

The Middle East and Africa saw minor declines in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while Nigeria recorded the largest gain in the region, rising 1.5 points to 115.2.

In the Asia-Pacific region, 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.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.