Jan. 30, 2022 — Numerator has published its latest Consumer Sentiment Study, which reveals how consumers are feeling about the economy, the pandemic, and emerging market influences.
 
The following are some key takeaways:

• Slightly up from last month, 64% of consumers have a high level of concern about the economy.
• When it comes to inflation, 78% believe it will increase in the next few months, and 70% of consumers feel as though the U.S. is in an economic recession.
• Rising prices on essential goods and services is the main economic concern for 77% of respondents, followed by rising prices on fuel (67%).
• Seventy-four percent of respondents report feeling uncomfortable splurging on premium items and taking money out of savings or retirement accounts, followed by feeling uncomfortable spending on nonessential items in general (60%), spending on nonessential travel (59%), and investing in the stock market (58%).
• To offset rising prices, 46% of respondents plan to cut back on eating out and 41% anticipate cutting back on travel.
• Only 6% of consumers cite the pandemic as their primary concern for the next few months, and 76% believe we will learn to live with Covid-19 rather than return to “normal.”

 
For more information: numerator.com.