Global Consumer Sentiment Shows Diverging Trends

Consumer sentiment has improved globally, with South Korea's index rising to 108.7 in June 2025, its highest in four years, driven by President Lee Jae-myung's economic reforms, fiscal stimulus, and progress in US trade talks. All major components of South Korea's consumer index improved, and inflation expectations remained stable. Pakistan's Consumer Confidence Index also rose by 9.2% to 96.2, the highest since 2022, with future expectations turning optimistic despite unemployment concerns. Meanwhile, a CBS News poll found that nearly 60% of Americans view their economy as poor, even as stock markets rise, indicating a gap between market performance and public sentiment. These developments illustrate divergent consumer confidence trends influenced by local economic and political factors.