Irish consumers end 2024 on cautious note but more positive about their finances next year

December Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index found households were less fearful about the prospects for their own finances in the year ahead, prompting an increase in spending plans

Irish consumers end 2024 still dealing with the fallout from a cost-of-living crisis but their outlook is a little less negative about their finances.

The December Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index published on Monday shows consumer sentiment largely holding steady. With household incomes increasing faster than inflation, the survey of 1,000 consumers found households were less fearful about the prospects for their own finances in the year ahead, and this has also prompted an increase in spending plans.