This wave of the Ipsos B&A Consumer Confidence Barometer was conducted from the 4th – 14th April 2025.
Fieldwork started two days after Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” announcement with proposed 20% “reciprocal” tariffs to the EU, and this undoubtedly has weighed heavily on consumers’ minds.
Consumer confidence has plummeted in April, with a net rating of -61 (those feeling downbeat versus those feeling more upbeat). This compares to -39 in March.
71% anticipate that the country to be worse off in the year ahead, with a mere 10% expecting the country’s economy to improve in the coming year. Relatively speaking, Dubliners continue to be most upbeat. Overall sentiment remains deeply embedded in negative territory, at levels not seen since 2022. Confidence is lowest among females, the middle-aged cohort (those aged 35-54), and C2DEs.
The proportion of households who claim to be “coping” with the cost-of-living crisis has slipped- 63% are managing vs. 67% in February. One in five (21%) state they are facing difficulties. Nearly half (45%) expect their net income to decline, with just one in five being more upbeat.
49% think they will spend less over the next 12 months, with just 13% thinking that they will purchase more goods and services.
For more details and the full report, please contact Paul Moran and Pooja Sankhe: paul.moran@ipsos.com and pooja.sankhe@ipsos.com
