Is this as good as it gets? Despite the positive economic indicators (for now), sentiment has fallen again.

This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 12th January –  21st January 2025.

Consumer confidence has slipped back again by three points in January. It now stands at a net rating of -26 (those feeling downbeat minus those feeling more upbeat). This represents a 10 point drop in sentiment since October 2024.

Given the backdrop of positive economic indicators (lowish inflation, falling interest rates and near-full employment), it suggests that this may be as good as it gets. With the ongoing threat of an Atlantic trade war and increasing concerns about FDI, nervousness for the future resonates with many.

As in previous findings, females, blue collar workers and those living outside Dublin are most gloomy in their outlook. The middle-aged cohort (35-54-year-olds) are also less sanguine, arguably reflecting their financial life cycle in terms of debt.

However, the proportion of the population that are “coping” with the cost-of-living has increased (up four to 68%). Budget changes were implemented in January. That said, there is a constant segment (17% in January)  that are struggling.

Just three in ten (29%) feel that their personal income will improve over the next year, compared to 33% feeling that they will be less well off. Many (37%) foresee no difference.

40% believe their net asset value will grow of over the next 12 months, with just 15% predicting a depreciation – this is the second highest gap (+25 points) we have seen so far.

Nearly three in five (59%) will maintain or increase their levels of saving this year – however, this leaves a significant minority (41%) expecting that the amount they can save in the next 12 months will diminish.

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For more details and the full report, please contact Paul Moran and Pooja Sankhe: paul.moran@ipsos.com and pooja.sankhe@ipsos.com

The Consumer Confidence report is conducted via the Ipsos B&A Acumen Online Barometer. Our group of research professionals has vast expertise in various omnibus methodologies. View our schedule here: https://banda.ie/research_technique/consumer-omnibus/