Trajectory’s latest consumer mood tracker highlights subdued optimism across the UK, persistent cost-of-living pressures, and widening divisions in how different groups experience the present and expect the future. Below is a summary of the key points from their November fieldwork.
Key Insights:
- Optimism remains low, with only a marginal uplift in November and the three-month rolling average unchanged. Those earning £20k-£40k have seen the sharpest decline, now reporting similar levels of pessimism as the lowest-income groups.
- Confidence in the British economy has dropped significantly, reaching its lowest level this year prior to the Budget, signalling widespread financial concern.
- The UK is becoming increasingly polarised, with Trajectory noting the most divided public mood they’ve seen in 15 years of tracking sentiment, especially in expectations for the future.
- Britain’s demographic change will become more visible in 2026, as the State Pension age begins rising towards 67, signalling long-term shifts in age structure and retirement patterns.
- Concern about climate change is cooling in higher-income countries, including the UK. Climate is now the 11th most mentioned issue, down from 8th two years ago.