The economy: Key insights, data and solutions on inflation, recession, consumer confidence and more

Here’s Ipsos' best and freshest data on the economy for business leaders, policymakers and insights professionals

2 December 2024

Society

A soft landing? A not-so-soft landing? When it comes to the current outlook, uncertainty abounds. Ipsos data can help. Here’s our latest research on the economy – from the cost-of-living crisis to stagflation – and exclusive insights it means for brands, businesses, policymakers, and people.

Key takeaways:

Economic signals remain ... mixed
- By and large, Americans feel more confident about their financial future than they did one year ago — but they're still taking precautions, from saving for a nest egg and picking up extra work to taking on debt.
Recessions don’t hit us all equally
- Historical data shows that the impact of a recession can be compounded by racial and economic inequities. Business leaders and policymakers must consider these dynamics as they navigate uncertain economic climates.
Inflation’s impact on consumers is significant – but complicated
- Most Americans are feeling the impact of inflation – but the way they’ve responded to it is highly variable. Some are cutting back on impulse purchases or pivoting to generic-brand products; others are “revenge spending.” Consumer behavior in a recessionary climate is highly variable.

Men are more confident than women across nearly every aspect of consumer confidence

Men are more confident regarding how they feel about the economy now and their ability to invest and participate in the labor market. The only place that’s not true? Jobs. Both men and women are feeling good about their jobs. (Read more.)

About half of Americans say they've paid for a purchase in installments

According to the latest wave of the Ipsos Consumer Tracker, half of Americans have “purchased an item and paid for it in installments” — a figure that includes the growing range of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options. And while one in three of those BNPL users is still carrying a balance, half say they’d use it again. (Read more.)

Inflation remains the number one global concern — as it's been since March 2022

Inflation remains the number one concern for the 26th consecutive month, although worry is now at its lowest level since April 2022. (Read more.)

Younger Americans are more likely to be shopping across non-essential categories

Interestingly, Ipsos' research suggests that those strapped for cash — and younger shoppers in particular— are upping their retail therapy. (Read more.)

More say they can save, though generational gaps are emerging

The economy remains a mixed bag — and all the more so when you look at the generational splits. (Read more.)

Consumer confidence is steady around the world

The Ipsos Consumer Confidence index shows stability for the second consecutive month and is nearly two points above its reading from this time last year. Among 29 economies measured, four show significant gains in consumer sentiment, while five show a notable decline. (Read more.)

An economic meltdown is the doomsday scenario Americans fear the most

Ipsos polling found that 33% of Americans feared economic collapse the most — beating out the runner-up, WWIII, by eight percentage points, and giving it a considerable lead on climate change (19%), another pandemic (12%), and killer robots (just 2%).. (Read more.)