Global sentiment remains downbeat; Asia Pacific defies the trend
The September 2025 edition of the Ipsos What Worries the World survey reveals that pessimism about the future dominates sentiment across most global markets. Yet, five Asia Pacific nations — Singapore, India, Malaysia, South Korea, and Australia — stand apart for their optimism and belief that their countries are moving in the right direction.
Across 30 markets surveyed, 25 show a prevailing sense of gloom, with majorities believing their nations are on the wrong track. This contrast underscores a widening optimism gap between Asia Pacific and much of the rest of the world.
India is placed 2nd in the region’s positive sentiment, with two in three citizens (63%) expressing confidence in how the country is being governed. While Singapore tops in optimism, Malaysia, South Korea, and Australia also register stronger-than-average optimism, suggesting that confidence in economic resilience and governance may be sustaining outlooks across the region.
“Global economies continue to face the ripple effects of multiple macro challenges — from the prolonged global slowdown and the lingering impact of the pandemic to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, high living costs, job cuts, and renewed U.S. trade and immigration policies. Despite these headwinds, Asia Pacific is emerging as a new hub of optimism, demonstrating resilience amid tough global conditions and drawing strength from robust local economies and brands,” said Suresh Ramalingam, CEO, Ipsos India.
The What Worries the World survey was conducted across 30 markets via the Ipsos Global Advisor online platform between August 22 and September 5, 2025, capturing views from 25,775 adults aged 16–74.
In India, the survey covered a nationally representative sample of around 2,200 respondents — including approximately 1,800 face-to-face interviews and 400 online interviews — ensuring comprehensive coverage across demographics and regions.
Worry levels heighten across key issues
Worry levels among Indians rose across key socio-economic issues in September 2025, according to the latest Ipsos What Worries the World survey. The fieldwork was conducted ahead of Navratri, prior to the onset of the festive season and the rollout of the new GST reforms — factors that may influence sentiment in the upcoming October report.
The September findings indicate notable increases in concern around inflation (48%, +7 points), unemployment (40%, +9), education (28%, +5), crime and violence (+6), and financial and political corruption (+5). These rising levels of anxiety suggest that, despite an overall positive outlook on the country’s direction, underlying economic and social worries persist among citizens; mostly driven by global polycrisis and the additional burden of tough Trump trade policies – on trade tariffs, immigration and job cuts.
