Consumer sentiment in Ukraine: sharp deterioration in September 2024

September 2024 became a difficult month for the consumer sentiment of Ukrainians, which suffered a significant drop. According to the research conducted by the company Info Sapiens, the general index of consumer sentiment decreased by 7.4 points, reaching 72.6 points. The decrease affected all components of the indicator, with the exception of the index of the current personal financial situation, which turned out to be stable.

The current situation index fell to 55.9 points, which is 2.3 points lower compared to the previous month. At the same time, the index of the current personal financial situation increased by 0.5 points and amounted to 50.1 points. Negative changes are observed in the index of feasibility of large purchases, which decreased by 5 points and reached 61.6 points. These indicators indicate an increase in caution among consumers regarding large expenses.

The economic expectations of Ukrainians also fell significantly. The index of economic expectations decreased by 10.9 points to 83.8 points. Ukrainians began to assess their financial situation more pessimistically: the corresponding index decreased by 9 points to 81.1 points. This indicates that the population is worried about their own financial future.

Forecasts for the development of the country's economy for the coming year fell by 13.5 points and amounted to 70.5 points. In addition, estimates of economic development for the next five years decreased by 10 points to 99.6 points. These data confirm the general pessimistic attitude towards economic growth prospects.

Among other important indicators, the index of expected dynamics of unemployment increased by 1.8 points and now stands at 120.6 points. The index of inflation expectations rose by 4.6 points to 187.7 points, and devaluation expectations increased by 7.2 points . to 169.7 points. This indicates an increase in the anxiety of Ukrainians regarding the future economic situation.

Info Sapiens analysts note that consumer sentiment in Ukraine continues to demonstrate instability. After a two-month recovery, the index again showed negative dynamics, which indicates the deterioration of expectations regarding the economic situation in the country. Despite the fact that the current material situation of citizens has practically not changed, it was the economic forecasts that became the main factor that influenced the general decrease in the index of consumer sentiment.