Consumer sentiment lifted, though marginally, for a second consecutive month in July, offering an early indication of stabilisation after fluctuations during the first half of 2026, according to Prosoft Research and Insights.
The Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 80 in July from 79 in June, marking its second successive monthly increase since May and the first gradual stabilisation over two consecutive months since January.
Prosoft said the movement was aligned with the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI), which remained unchanged at 208, indicating stabilisation in overall price levels.
However, the research firm cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from the latest improvement, citing fluctuations in consumer sentiment over the past six months, persistent inflationary pressures and the potential impact of El Niño.
It said further monitoring over the coming months would be necessary to determine whether the recent improvement develops into a sustained trend.
The index remains below its recent peak of 90 recorded in September 2024, when President Anura Kumara Dissanayake took office. Its lowest reading was 56 in June 2022, at the height of the economic and political crisis.
Prosoft Research and Insights conducts its Consumer Sentiment Survey monthly among a sample of 200 respondents.