Global consumers' spending outlook shows remarkable stability heading into 2026, with little change from the prior year in perceived financial situations or planned expenditures, according to NielsenIQ's (NIQ) latest Consumer Outlook: Guide to 2026 report.
Approximately one-third of consumers worldwide (around 33%) report feeling worse off financially than a year ago—a figure virtually unchanged from 2025. Similarly, about 30% feel better off, holding steady compared to the previous survey.Pragmatic behaviors dominate, with over half (52%) committed to avoiding waste by buying only what's needed, and 40% spending more time at home while reducing outings.
These attitudes translate directly into spending plans for the coming year, featuring moderated increases for essentials like groceries and household items, alongside ongoing reductions in discretionary areas such as out-of-home entertainment and dining. This aligns with separate U.S. survey data from Ipsos indicating that roughly 69% of adults have recently shifted spending toward home-cooked meals while cutting back on experiences like travel and eating out.
NIQ calculates net spending intent by subtracting the percentage planning to spend less over the next 12 months from those intending to spend more. The largest planned cutbacks remain in out-of-home entertainment (-21 percentage points, unchanged from last year) and out-of-home dining (-21 points, slightly worse than -19.1 last year).
Net negative sentiment has held steady in categories like in-home entertainment (-10 points, vs. -10.4 last year), socializing (-14 points), and holiday celebrations (-15 points).On the positive side, utilities again lead planned increases (+15 points, down from +18.9 last year), followed by education/child care (+14 points).
Spending intent for groceries and household items has cooled to +8 points (from +12.2 last year), though fresh produce retains strong positives (+18 points). Health and wellness intent has nearly doubled to +7 points.
Alcohol faces ongoing negatives at -19 points, coinciding with U.S. adult drinking rates reaching a record low. Within groceries, snacks and confectionery show the weakest outlook at -20 points, potentially influenced in part by growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.
For the complete details, refer to NIQ's full Consumer Outlook: Guide to 2026 report.