Lloyds May business barometer shows confidence up 3 points to 47%

• Lloyds Business Barometer showed overall UK business confidence rose 3 points to 47% in May, near the 12-month average of 48%.
• Trading outlook increased 4 points to 58%; 66% expected stronger output over the next year, 8% forecast weaker activity.
• Wider economic confidence rose 2 points to 35%, below the 12-month average of 39%; inflation, cost pressures, global uncertainty led concerns.
• Investment appetite climbed 4 points to 37%, with spending skewed toward training, technology, and AI.
• Construction confidence jumped 15 points to 44; Retail rose 8 points to 53; Manufacturing slipped 4 points to 43.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Lloyds Banking Group plc published the original content used to generate this news brief on May 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.