Consumer Pulse: Understanding How Consumers Navigate Economic Change

How is Economic Uncertainty Shaping Consumerism Today?

From tariff policy and interest rates to inflation and market fluctuation, economic uncertainty is pervasive and growing.

What does it all mean for consumers – their habits, attitudes, fears and priorities? And what are the implications for brands seeking to engage with them?

Through Online Anthropology, Material Spotlight and cultural insights, Material’s ongoing content series uncovers the human impact of economic uncertainty – and how brands can respond.

KEY FINDINGS AS OF JUNE 2026

Consumers Are Cutting Back and Concerned About the Future

Consumer sentiment has fallen for three months in a row to a new all-time low. Americans feel like no one is looking out for them and, while many aren’t yet feeling the full impact of an uncertain economy, they’re cutting back on spending and increasingly worried about the future.

Our most recent report, linked below, details Material’s latest findings.

Conversations about inflation are up

32%