The paradox of Polish sentiment: we are concerned about our own wallet, but we are afraid about the country's economy

36 percent of surveyed households are optimistic about their finances, while the percentage of pessimists is 27%. – according to the December report of the Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS).

According to the publication entitled “Consumer sentiment in December”, compared to 2024, the share of households limiting expenses to meet current needs decreased (from 48% to 37%) and the percentage of those borrowing money to meet their needs decreased (from 13% to 10%). However, the group of those who managed to save some money increased (from 50% to 54%).

The study shows that despite the observed decline in inflation, in December, as in October, nearly every fourth respondent is afraid of a faster pace of price growth (23%).and half believe that prices will increase at a similar pace (50%). In turn, 16 percent believes that they will grow slower than last year.

Compared to October the share of those counting on an increase in their household income within a year increased slightly (from 34% to 37%), but the percentage of those afraid of its decline did not change (16%).

Relatively The greatest improvement is observed in the perception of general prospects, in which optimism is now expressed as often as pessimism (34% compared to 36%), while two months ago there was a clear predominance of pessimism (43% compared to 30%). However, when thinking about the financial situation of their household, since January 2025, optimism has prevailed over pessimism (36% compared to 27%).

According to analysts, a decrease in perceived concerns is visible in all areas surveyed. “Nevertheless, as in previous measurements, in all dimensions taken into account, we register an advantage of pessimism over optimism. It is the largest in the case of the perception of the country's economic situation (45% compared to 18%), and the smallest in relation to general prospects for the future among people from the immediate environment (37% compared to 29%).

The consumer sentiment index (WNK) is currently 3.9, which is slightly higher than in October. This means that respondents expressed optimism on average in four out of ten areas included in the study.

The “Consumer moods” survey was carried out using computer-assisted telephone interviews and online interviews between December 1 and 3, 2025, on a sample of 1,000 adult residents of Poland. (PAP)

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