According to the latest EY Future Consumer Index (FCI), global consumers are preparing for a prolonged period of financial austerity, with rising cost of living and geopolitical uncertainty prompting them to seek financial control amid low economic confidence. The research found

According to the latest Ernst & Young Future Consumer Index (FCI), global consumers are preparing for a prolonged period of financial austerity, with rising cost of living and geopolitical uncertainty prompting them to seek financial control amid low economic confidence. . The research found that 79% of consumers said their finances were an issue, with 62% expecting their living costs to increase further in the next six months.

With consumer confidence shrinking, research shows the economic outlook for Western markets is decidedly pessimistic compared to emerging/other markets. More consumers in the US (54%), UK (65%), Germany (84%) and France (85%) say they think life will be the same or worse in the next three years, while Brazil ( The proportions are much lower in India (21%), India (24%), Saudi Arabia (37%) and China (38%). Rather than simply cutting back on their essentials to cut costs, consumers are trying new brands (33%) and turning to private labels (21%). While there is growing momentum and pressure to live greener ways, rising costs of living are hampering consumer efforts. 67% of global respondents said high prices for sustainable goods and products put them off. With 64% of global respondents saying they no longer feel the need to keep up with seasonal trends, more people (69%) are trying to repair rather than replace items, posing a challenge for fast fashion retailers. (PR Newswire, London, June 30, 2022)