UK consumer confidence hits three-year low on rate, jobs fears

S&P Global's UK consumer sentiment index fell to 42.7 in September from 42.9 in August, marking a three-year low as households worry about rising mortgage costs and job security. The decline pressures Chancellor John Healey ahead of the budget, signaling weakening domestic demand. The data suggests a potential drag on UK growth, though the drop is modest and sentiment remains above recessionary levels.