Global predictions for 2020

65% worldwide believe 2019 was a bad year for their country and half of them considered it a bad year for their family and themselves. And most of our respondents’ predictions worldwide are not very optimistic yet 75% of people polled in 33 markets are confident 2020 will be a better year for them.

climate change | bears on floe | global temperature | environment | Ipsos

Rising temperatures were also a key prediction for 2019. At the end of 2018, 78% of people around the world believed average global temperatures would increase in 2019. For 2020, predictions are the same with 77%. Most pessimistic countries on this issue are Turkey (89%), Singapore (86%) and Chile (85%) whereas Russia (67%), the United States (64%) and Saudi Arabia (54%) seem less worried.

Read our piece on climate change here

Donald Trump | 2020 US elections | Polling | IpsosPeople are uncertain about Donald Trump’s chances of being re-elected as US President: 44% think it is unlikely vs. 35% think he may. Respondents from Hong Kong (54%) and Israel (53%) bet on his re-election whereas more than half of respondents in Netherlands (51%), Belgium and Italy (53%), Philippines (55%), South-Korea (56%) and Turkey (57%) think there might be someone else in the White House next year.

Follow our Podcast on 2020 US elections here

A small majority (52%) internationally believe the economy will get stronger with great differences between Chinese respondents (84%) and French ones (26%). Globally 36% think it is likely that major stock markets around the world will crash, led by Malaysian (59%) and Polish (56%) respondents… They also foresee income inequalities to increase (63%), mostly in Israel 83%) and Russia (82%) and women to remain less well paid than men (46%), especially in Hungary (66%), Sweden and Germany (65%).

Discover the last edition of What the Future and find out which country is most gendered here

Despite these dark predictions (see more in the report) most of our respondents (75%) believe 2020 will be a better year for them - except for our Japanese respondents (45%) and our French respondents are perfectly divided on the subject.

22,512 interviews were conducted between November 22 and December 6, 2019, among adults aged 18-64 in the US and Canada, and adults aged 16-64 in all other markets. The survey was conducted in 33 markets around the world via the Ipsos Online Panel system. These are Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.

Related news

  •  The 2026 Ramadan Handbook – Lebanon Edition
    Consumers Survey

    The 2026 Ramadan Handbook – Lebanon Edition

    Unlock deep insights into the Ramadan season with our 2026 Handbook. From identifying shopping trends to profiling five key consumer personas, this report highlights attitudes towards brand communication and reveals which 10 brands currently stand out in the Ramadan landscape from a consumer perspective.
  • Predictions 2026 Lebanon Beirut Insights Data
    Society Survey

    Predictions 2026 – Lebanon Edition

    What do people in Lebanon expect 2026 to bring? Our latest report reveals insights into various aspects, including personal, economic, societal, and technological predictions.
  • The Cedar’s Turn: Lebanon’s Emerging Momentum in 2025
    Society News

    The Cedar’s Turn: Lebanon’s Emerging Momentum in 2025

    After years of uncertainty, Lebanon is beginning to rediscover a sense of confidence, in its economy, its people, and its future.