More people in Ireland are feeling positive about the year ahead than was the case this time last year, new research shows.
PTSB's quarterly research series 'Reflecting Ireland' looks at consumer behaviour and attitudes.
According to this latest study, 49% of respondents are positive about living in Ireland - up from 44% a year ago and 39% two years ago.
When asked whether they thought the economic situation of the country was likely to improve, remain the same or get worse over the next 12 months, the research for the fourth quarter of 2024 found that 38% felt it would stay the same, 21% felt it would improve and 36% thought it would get worse.
This is an improvement on the first quarter of this year, when 34% thought it would stay the same, 20% thought it would improve and 43% thought it would get worse.
In response to questions on their personal finances, 25% of those surveyed said they expect to be better off in twelve months. That figure was 23% a year ago, although it is down from 29% in the third quarter of this year.
In terms of spending plans, there has been a drop in the number of people planning to cut back on spending in supermarkets, and on energy.
"It’s positive to see people are less likely to cut back on spending than was the case in recent years," said Leontia Fannin, Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer at PTSB.
"This bodes well for households and the small businesses throughout Ireland that depend on them as we enter 2025.
"It’s also very encouraging to see continued strong support for measures that can help to tackle the climate challenge and we’re also seeing a positive uplift in those prepared to make an investment for a greener future," she added.
