The Consumer Mood April 2026 Findings

Irish Consumers Turn More Pessimistic as Cost Pressures Intensify

The April 2026 RED C Consumer Mood Monitor shows a marked collapse in consumer confidence, with sentiment now at one of its lowest points in the past ten years. Just 5% of Irish adults expect the economy to improve in the next six months, while an overwhelming 86% believe it will get worse, producing a net confidence score of –81. This places current sentiment on a par with the worst moments of the COVID‑19 pandemic, the emergence of the cost‑of‑living crisis in 2022, and last year’s tariff shock on EU exports.

This level of pessimism reflects growing concern that households are once again facing a sustained period of rising costs with limited ability to absorb them. Importantly, this is not confined to one region or income group; anxiety is widespread across the country.

Rising Costs Drive Caution in Household Finances

Unsurprisingly, fuel costs are the most immediate concern. Over two‑thirds of consumers expect to spend more on motor fuel in the next six months, despite recent government efforts to ease pressure. This suggests that many believe global oil price increases, influenced by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, are likely to persist. These higher costs are expected to ripple through household budgets, pushing up energy bills and potentially reversing the recent moderation in food price inflation.

As a result, expectations for the cost‑of‑living are bleak. An overwhelming 93% of consumers believe living costs will worsen over the next six months. This feeds directly into worries about disposable income, with more than three‑quarters expecting to have less money left over at the end of each month after essentials. This represents a clear shift towards more cautious household decision‑making.

Spending intentions reflect this caution. Consumers are increasingly likely to cut back on discretionary categories such as eating out, socialising, holidays and non‑essential retail. Out‑of‑home entertainment and short breaks are particularly exposed, as people prioritise financial security over optional spending. Even where incomes are relatively secure, there is a strong desire to reduce risk and build buffers.

Broader Economic Anxiety Weighs on Outlook

Concern is not limited to household finances alone. Broader anxiety about the global economy is also weighing on sentiment. Nearly nine in ten expect the world economy to worsen, driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty in major markets. This has translated into rising concern about the jobs market, with a clear majority expecting employment prospects to deteriorate.

Housing remains a long‑standing frustration. While housing supply is improving, most consumers see little near‑term relief on affordability. Combined with expectations of higher borrowing costs and possible interest rate increases, this continues to weigh heavily on confidence, particularly among those considering buying or moving home.

Overall, Irish consumers are becoming more pessimistic, more cautious, and more selective about how they spend. There is a clear risk that this mindset becomes self‑reinforcing: when people expect things to worsen, they behave in ways that slow economic momentum further. For businesses and policymakers alike, the message is clear: consumers want clarity, reassurance and good value at a time when uncertainty is affecting everyday decisions.

Click Here to Download Full Report