RED C Consumer Mood Monitor: July 2026

The latest RED C Consumer Mood Monitor suggests that consumer sentiment in Ireland has recovered somewhat from the sharp decline recorded in April 2026, but confidence remains fragile. While consumers are feeling less anxious than they were three months ago, worries about the cost of living and household finances continue to dominate public thinking. Overall, the mood has improved, but optimism remains in short supply.

Economic confidence has strengthened modestly since April, with fewer people expecting a severe deterioration in Ireland’s economy over the coming six months. However, expectations remain heavily negative. More than seven in ten (71%) consumers believe the Irish economy will worsen, while only a small minority (8%) expect improvement. A similar pattern is evident in attitudes towards the global economy, where concerns have eased slightly but uncertainty about international economic conditions continues to weigh heavily on sentiment.

One of the key factors behind the improvement in mood has been a reduction in concerns about fuel costs. Government support measures appear to have helped ease immediate pressure, and expectations for future spending on motor fuel have fallen since April. Nevertheless, a majority of consumers still expect fuel costs to increase, and many remain concerned that higher transport and energy costs will continue to affect prices throughout the wider economy.

Energy bills remain a major source of anxiety. Almost two-thirds of consumers expect their household energy costs to rise over the next six months, reflecting concerns about recent price increases by retail energy suppliers and ongoing pressure on household budgets. Spend on groceries is expected to continue rising, reflecting an expectation of higher prices, although this concern has eased slightly compared with earlier in the year.

Cost-of-living continues to be the most significant issue, with nearly nine in ten (89%) consumers expecting the cost of living to worsen over the coming months, showing little change from levels recorded a year ago. While expectations around disposable income have improved from April’s low point, most consumers still believe they will have less money available after paying essential expenses such as rent, mortgages, bills and taxes.

As a result, consumers remain cautious about discretionary spending. Many expect to reduce spending on consumer goods and services, eating out, socialising, and holidays. Although spending expectations have recovered slightly since April, households continue to make careful spending decisions and remain highly selective about where they choose to spend their money.

Employment and household finances remain key areas of concern for Irish consumers. Although sentiment has improved from the lows seen in April, most people still expect their financial wellbeing and discretionary income to come under further pressure, while confidence in employment prospects remains subdued. As a result, many households continue to approach spending decisions cautiously, reflecting ongoing financial uncertainty.

For businesses and brands, the findings point to a consumer landscape defined more by uncertainty than confidence. Trust, transparency and value remain critical, while consumers continue to look for reassurance in an environment shaped by rising costs, financial pressure and ongoing economic uncertainty. Despite signs of stabilisation, caution appears set to remain the dominant feature of consumer behaviour in the months ahead.

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