Global barometer of hope & happiness
2013.01.03Ireland remains one of the most pessimistic nations on future prosperity
In the latest worldwide poll conducted by RED C and the WIN Gallup International Group of independent market research companies worldwide, Ireland remains among the bottom ten counties in terms of optimism for future economic prosperity, along with several other European countries. The most pessimistic country of those included is Portugal, but France, Belgium, Spain, Ireland, Germany and the UK all fall into the ten most pessimistic nations, which does not suggest a positive consumer outlook for European Growth.
Top 10 Most Gloomy Countries
Net Hope on Economy
| Portugal |
-85% |
| France |
-67% |
| Lebanon |
-66% |
| Belgium |
-64% |
| Spain |
-59% |
| Bosnia |
-53% |
| Ireland |
-51% |
| Germany |
-46% |
| Poland |
-45% |
| United Kingdom |
-41% |
Note: Net Hope on Economy is computed by deducting the optimists (hopeful about economic prospects in 2013) from the pessimistic (those who see greater economic difficulty)
Optimism has improved in Ireland in the past year, as has global hope on the economy
However, the positive news is that optimism in Ireland has improved in the past year, alongside gains in economic optimism across the world. Ireland sees net hope on the economy rise from -68% in 2011 to -51% in this wave, lifting the country from bottom of the league last year to seventh most gloomy country this time around. Across the world we have a return to a net positive hope on the economy, the positive change is mainly due to resurgence of hope in India and China, as well as other BRICT countries.
Top 10 Most Hopeful Countries Net Hope on Economy
| Georgia |
63% |
| Azerbaijan |
56% |
| Brazil |
45% |
| Mozambique |
42% |
| China |
32% |
| Peru |
31% |
| India |
27% |
| Saudi Arabia |
27% |
| Philippines |
25% |
| Ecuador |
24% |
Consumer happiness remains depressed, with 1 in 4 Irish consumers currently unhappy
When asked about their happiness about their life, 43% of Irish consumers said they felt happy, but 26% said they felt unhappy; 30% felt neither way and the remaining 1% did not give a view. This is some way behind the global average, as globally only 13% of consumers say they feel unhappy, with 53% stating they are happy. This leaves Ireland happiness rating, taken in November leading into the budget, as one of the lowest seen across the 54 counties included, with only Tunisia, Portugal, Iraq, Romania, Palestine and Lebanon recording lower ratings.
For further details please see the attached press release.
