Survey Reveals Pessimism on Financial Future

Recent surveys reveal widespread pessimism regarding the financial future of the next generation, with a median of 57% across various nations believing children will be worse off than their parents. This sentiment is particularly strong in high-income countries such as Canada and the U.S., where around three-quarters share this view, while Poland stands out with a more optimistic perspective. Concurrently, UK government borrowing costs have surged to their highest levels since the financial crisis, prompting concerns about inflation and potential stagnation, which could affect household finances and government spending. In the Philippines, inflation rose to 2.9% in December 2024, driven by increased transport and housing costs, amidst varied regional inflation rates. Additionally, a debate over U.S. family income growth highlights the importance of adjusting figures for inflation, revealing that real median family income has actually increased by 55% since 1971, countering claims of worsening financial conditions for average Americans.