March 2, 2023 — Numerator’s monthly Consumer Sentiment Study continues to measure how consumers feel about the economy, the pandemic, and other market influences.
 
Here are key takeaways from February with some comparisons to January:
 

• Down seven percentage points from January, 57% of consumers report having a high level of concern regarding the economy.
• Sixty-four percent of respondents feel as though the country is in an economic recession (a six-point improvement), and 73% believe inflation will increase in the coming months (a five-point improvement).
• Consumers still report rising prices on essential goods and services as their top economic concern (73%) followed by rising prices on fuel (61%).
• Down five percentage points, 69% of consumers are uncomfortable splurging on premium items.
• A seven-point improvement compared to January, 39% plan to cut back on dining out in the coming months followed by 34% cutting back on travel.
• Seventy-three percent of consumers are uncomfortable taking money from personal savings or retirement accounts.
• Only 3% of consumers consider Covid-19 as their primary concern for the next few months, and 74% believe we will learn to live with Covid-19 rather than returning to “normal.”

 
For more information: numerator.com.