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

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

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

When it comes to the current economic outlook in the U.S., uncertainty abounds. Ipsos data can help. Here’s our latest research on the economy – from tariffs and stagflation to the cost-of-living crisis – and exclusive insights on what it means for brands, businesses, policymakers, and people.

Key takeaways:

 

Private label purchases (and gas prices) are rising

It says a lot about economic uncertainty that for the last year, nearly two-thirds (61%) of Americans think we’re headed for a recession in the next 12 months. Meanwhile, the number of people who said gas prices in their area are falling cratered to just 15% from 38% last summer. And correspondingly, more (69%) now report buying additional private-label products, now seven in ten, up from 59% in August. (Read more.)

Almost all Americans think gas prices have gone up and will get worse

It’s rare to see something north of 90% of Americans agree on. But almost everyone thinks gas prices have gone up (they have) and also almost everyone (84%) thinks prices will get worse (Democrats are more likely to say this, but 76% of Republicans agree, too.) According to our data, it’s already affecting behaviors, including the 70% of Americans who are now combining errands into fewer trips to combat gas prices. (Read more.)

People think prices for some key goods are falling, others rising

Perception of higher gasoline prices compared to the previous year plummeted by 18 points, dropping from 56% to just 38% now. Perceived dairy inflation saw the largest drop among all food categories; only 58% of Americans believe dairy prices are rising, down from a staggering 82% last year. In what is a zero-sum economy, it’s good that some important prices are dropping (or we think they are) because things like electricity are perceived as stubbornly high. (Read more.)

A plurality of Americans say prices will never go back down

In February 2026 as in February 2025, a plurality of Americans think the goods and services they buy will not get less expensive. Almost no one says they haven't noticed price hikes. (Read more.)

How economic optimism in the U.S. compares against other G7 nations 

Q: How would you describe the current economic situation in your country? Net "good"

The percentage of Americans who describe their country’s current economic situation as "good" is still down from the pre-pandemic era (where almost three out of four Americans agreed). Nonetheless, optimism remains higher than in Americans' G7 peers, and has climbed steadily over the last few years. (Read more.)

Americans aren’t buying the benefits of tariffs

A significant number of Americans (42%) disagree that tariffs will lead to more jobs in the U.S., while only 28% (42% of Republicans) agree it’s a job creator. Meanwhile, a sizable majority (73%, even 60% of Republicans) say that tariffs will lead to higher prices and 67% say they are already paying higher prices. Only 35% think tariffs are worth it, with just half of Republicans (52%) agreeing and only one in five (22%) of Democrats. (Read more.)

Less than half of Americans support Trump's tariffs

Less than half of Americans support tariffs, but support is unsurprisingly divided across partisan lines. Two Americas: one red, one blue. (Read more.)

Americans agree that the economy should be a political priority

Americans are most concerned about political extremism, the economy and immigration. By party affiliation, Republicans are most concerned about the economy and immigration, while nearly half of Democrats are most concerned about political extremism or threats to democracy, and independents are split between the economy and political extremism as the most important issues. (Read more.)

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