Insights ¦ PREDICTIONS 2026 REPORT

Key Take Aways

1. The global perception of 2025 as a challenging year is widespread, with 66% of respondents across 30 countries describing it as a bad year for their country, and 50% for themselves and their families. Despite this, optimism about 2026 is high, with 71% anticipating a better year ahead.

2. Optimism for the global economy remains cautiously optimistic, with nearly half (49%) predicting improvement in 2026, although this is a decline from previous years. The overall confidence in economic recovery is yet to fully rebound from pandemic lows.

3. People’s personal plans for 2026 indicate a focus on social well-being, with the majority intending to spend more time with family and friends (82%) and exercise more (75%). However, fewer plan to use social media less (37%).

4. There remains notable concern about economic stability, with almost half (48%) predicting a recession in their country in 2026, alongside fears about market crashes (38%) and decline in disposable income.

5. Anxiety about job security and AI’s impact on employment persists, with 67% believing AI will lead to many jobs being lost, though an equal percentage also sees potential for AI to create new jobs.

6. Political and security issues continue to cast a shadow, with 29% predicting a major terrorist attack will occur in their country and 59% foreseeing large-scale public unrest related to governance.

7. Environmental concerns are prominent, with over 80% expecting rising global temperatures and more extreme weather events. Many anticipate increased government action on climate change, though perceptions are somewhat muted.

8. Population dynamics are a significant concern, with 62% expecting increased immigration and 40% predicting a decline in their national populations, especially in countries like Japan, Romania, and South Korea.

9. In social attitudes, a majority (71%) plan to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with particular enthusiasm among younger demographics, notably Generation Z men.

10. Attitudes towards international politics show decreased confidence, with Americans now least likely to believe in Prime Minister Trump achieving a Nobel Peace Prize.

11. Optimism about societal long-term prospects remains low, although a notable share (54%) believe their country will start feeling more optimistic about the future in 2026.

12. The survey methodology confirms significant urban, educated populations are more engaged with future outlooks, but perceptions remain influenced by recent geopolitical and economic shocks worldwide.

Key Statistics

• 66% across 30 countries say 2025 was a bad year for their country.

• 50% indicate 2025 was a bad year for themselves and their families.

• 71% are optimistic that 2026 will be better than 2025.

• 49% predict the global economy will be stronger in 2026, contrasting with 51% expecting it to worsen.

• 48% believe their country will face recession in 2026.

• 67% envisage AI leading to job losses in their country, yet 43% also see AI creating new jobs.

• 59% anticipate large-scale public unrest to protest governance.

• 82% plan to spend more time with family and friends.

• 75% intend to exercise more; only 37% plan to use social media less.

• 78% expect global temperatures to increase; 69% foresee more extreme weather events.

• 62% believe immigration into their country will increase.

• 29% think a major terrorist attack is likely in their country in 2026.

Key Discussion Points

• Despite widespread dissatisfaction with 2025, there is a strong sense of optimism for 2026, though economic confidence remains measured.

• People’s personal priorities focus heavily on social elements, with a marked intent to bolster family and health-related activities.

• Views on AI remain dual-faceted: concerns over job security are high, but there is also recognition of the potential for job creation.

• Security threats and geopolitical instability continue to influence public outlook, with significant worries about terrorism and unrest.

• Environmental issues are central, with predictions of rising temperatures and more extreme weather events, alongside cautious confidence in governmental climate action.

• Population dynamics, driven by immigration and demographic decline, significantly shape perceptions of societal stability.

• Attitudes towards global sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup reflect enduring cultural engagement.

• Confidence in international leadership, particularly in the United States, has waned, impacting perceptions of global stability.

• The survey’s demographic focus suggests urban, educated populations are more aware of and engaged with future societal challenges.

• Public sentiment indicates a mix of hope for societal progress tempered by concerns about persistent geopolitical and economic risks.

• The findings signal potential areas of risk management focus, including job security, climate resilience, and societal stability.

• Methodologically, the survey underlines the importance of understanding urban, affluent demographics in shaping future market and societal forecasts.

Document Description

This article presents the findings of a comprehensive 30-country survey conducted by Ipsos in late 2025, projecting societal, economic, environmental, and geopolitical outlooks for 2026. It explores public perceptions of the past year’s challenges, future optimism, and specific concerns around AI, security, and environmental change. The report offers valuable insights for senior managers in financial services seeking to understand global consumer sentiment, potential risk factors, and emerging trends shaping the economic and social landscape in the coming year.