US and ASEAN Consumer Confidence Shows Diverging Trends Amid Cost‑of‑Living Pressures

A PYMNTS Intelligence survey of 2,747 U.S. adults found that only three in ten reported difficulty buying pet supplies in January 2026, the lowest share among everyday expense categories. Difficulty rose slightly from the previous month, with the highest reports coming from Gen Z (38%) and baby boomers (29%). Respondents most commonly coped with rising costs by cutting everyday spending.

A separate UOB ASEAN Consumer Sentiment Index released in July 2026 showed mixed optimism across the region. Singapore’s confidence rose to 56 points and Thailand’s to 51, driven by strong growth, AI‑related demand, and government stimulus. Conversely, Indonesia slipped below the neutral 50‑point threshold, while Vietnam and Malaysia hovered around 63 and 50 points respectively. The survey indicated that while macro‑economic outlooks improved in some markets, high household debt and geopolitical tensions kept personal‑finance sentiment cautious.

Together, the surveys illustrate contrasting consumer sentiment dynamics: modest resilience in U.S. pet‑care spending alongside varied optimism and concern across key ASEAN economies.