This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from 12th – 20th January 2026.
Consumer confidence has seen a modest recovery in January, with a net rating of -46 (those feeling downbeat versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares with -48 last month, and -54 back in October 2025.
58% believe that the country will be worse off in the year ahead (down three points), while one in eight (12%) expect the country’s economy to improve.
Relatively speaking, Dubliners continue to be most upbeat. As seen previously, confidence is lowest among Females and C2DEs. Those aged 55+ are also more pessimistic.
Encouragingly, the proportion of households who claim to be “coping” with the cost-of-living now stands at 68% (up nine points). This is the highest that we have seen since early summer last year. However, nearly one in five (18%) say that they are struggling to some extent.
Inflation has fallen back slightly and now stands at +2.7%. The largest contributors to the January inflation figures were Education, Clothing/Footwear and the Recreation/ Culture sectors.
Unemployment remains below five per cent.
Nearly one in four believe their personal disposable income will increase over the next 12 months, although two in five (41%) expect their net income to decline.
Those outside the capital are less upbeat about the next 12 months. However, 48% of 16–24-year-olds expect their income to increase, along with 30% of ABC1s.
In total, nearly half (46%) think they will spend less over the year ahead, compared to one in seven (15%) planning to spend more. The gap in spending intentions between Dubliners and those outside the capital has narrowed.
This mirrors with saving intentions – 40% plan to save less (vs 47% last month), while 24% are planning to boost their savings over the next 12 months (up three points).
In addition, householders feel that their net asset wealth will increase over the next year – 38% are positive compared to just 17% being more fearful.
The gap (those who think their asset value will increase minus those anticipating a decrease) stands at +21%; an eight-point increase since last month.
Survey results are based on a sample of 1,001 adults aged 16+, quota controlled in terms of age, gender, socio-economic class, and region to reflect the profile of the adult population of the Republic of Ireland. All interviewing was conducted via Ipsos B&A’s Acumen Online Barometer.
For more information, please contact Paul Moran (Director): paul.moran@ipsos.com
