Economy

New polling data from Ipsos in the UK, conducted 17-21 April 2026, reveals high levels of public anxiety as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz begins to disrupt global supply chains. The British public is particularly concerned about the personal financial toll on food and petrol, while expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s response to rising prices.

The latest Ipsos Economic Optimism Index (EOI) reveals that net economic optimism in Britain has fallen to the lowest levels ever recorded since Ipsos began collecting this data in 1978. In the latest data, collected 8-14 April 2026, 78% of Britons expect the economy to get worse over the next 12 months (up 3ppts since last month), the highest level recorded since the Index began.

Most traders and intermediaries traded both imports and exports in the past year, particularly with the EU. The majority operated in both directions (93% of intermediaries, 76% of self-declaring traders and 64% of non-declaring traders), while only small proportions traded solely in one direction.

Ipsos was commissioned by the Home Office to conduct a landmark study, comprehensively measuring incidence of fraud, corruption and money laundering in UK businesses (a global first).

The March 2026 Ipsos Issues Index reveals a sharp increase in public concern about defence and foreign affairs.

New polling from Ipsos finds slight improvements in economic outlook among businesses and the general public but many concerns remain. Fieldwork was carried out before the Spring Statement and recent conflict in the Middle East.

Results from the 12th edition of the British Business Bank’s Small Business Finance Support survey are now available.

Investment growth is waning: 86% of EU firms still planned to invest in 2025, compared with 87% in the 2024 survey, but their appetite has weakened.

Young men are more likely to have engaged in cryptocurrency investments and gambling activities than young women. However, they are also more likely to view cryptocurrency as riskier than other investments.