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:

 

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.)

More Americans are cutting back on streaming and repairs

Seven in ten are spending more on food at home and less on dining out and travel. Four in ten have put off a vacation, or a big-ticket purchase like an appliance, car or home renovation. But the growing areas of cutbacks are streaming services (39% have canceled one in the last six months, up from 31% two years ago) and home and car repairs (also 39%, up from 27%). (Read more.)

Nearly half of Americans don’t have any cash left over after paying bills

The number of Americans who say that they don’t have any money left over after paying their bills is up 7 points from May to 48%, which ties a high not seen since August of 2022, when inflation rates were in the middle of their steep post-pandemic climb. (Read more.)

Despite overall uncertainty, we are somewhat confident in spending

Our confidence in spending on bigger ticket items is pretty stable since the last time we asked this in (checks note) November, 2023. That seems like an eon ago and a very different world. But despite all of the uncertainty we see in the Vibe Check and the Ipsos Consumer Confidence Index, about as many are confident in investing, or taking out loans or buying a new home. (Read more.)

Four in five Americans are concerned about the cost of living, rising inflation

 

Americans remain highly concerned with inflation and the cost of living. Fewer, but still majorities, are concerned about a potential recession or the stock market. But what is clear: economic anxieties are widespread. (Read more.)

How tariffs could impact product categories

We tested 12 categories, from large electronics, to snacks, to staples like paper products. In each, more would cut back than stock up. Household categories like dairy, detergents and cleaners, paper products and over-the-counter medications found people saying there would be no impact, they just need to keep buying them even if they cost 10% more. But for items that are more discretionary, at least one in three said they would have to cut back. (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.)

Inflation tied with crime and violence for top concern across 29 global countries

Inflation as a worry across 29 countries remains at 32% expressing concern. Following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, concern over rising prices among Canadians has surged, with the proportion expressing worry climbing five percentage points to 49%. However, this uptick is not unprecedented — February 2024 recorded an even higher peak, marking the highest level of concern that year, five points above the current figure.  (Read more.)

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