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GLOBAL ANXIETY REPORT:

WHAT THE WORLD WORRIES ABOUT IN 2024

In a post-pandemic era of unprecedented global challenges, the Ipsos "What Worries the World" survey for June 2024 offers a compelling snapshot of what keeps us up at night. Spanning 29 countries and drawing on over a decade of data, this survey doesn't just illuminate our nocturnal fears - it charts the evolving landscape of global public opinion on pressing social and political issues. 💰️ 

#1 INFLATION: THE PERSISTENT SPECTRE 💸 

On a comparative analysis of previous surveys done by Ipsos, inflation has remained on top of the list of global concerns for 27 months straight.

Inflation worries have only slightly subsided since last year as most countries are still battling one of the biggest reasons for economic instability. It erodes purchasing power, businesses struggle too due to increasing costs, potentially leading to job cuts. When inflation persists at high levels, it triggers a domino effect contributing to a downturn in economic growth.

🇹🇷 Turkey leads with 58% worried about inflation following an 85.5% inflation rate in October 2022, the highest in 24 years

Why? Long-standing battle with price instability resulting from unorthodox monetary policies and a weakening lira.

🇨🇦 Canada is surprisingly high at 54% worried about inflation, unusual for a developed nation

Why? A red-hot housing market 💥🏘️ and snarled supply chains sent living costs soaring, prompting aggressive interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada from 0.25% to 4.5% between March 2022 and January 2023

🇦🇷 Argentina is at 51% worried, with inflation exceeding 100% in February 2023

Why? Decades of economic mismanagement, unchecked spending, and a rapidly devaluing peso pushed inflation to levels not seen since 1991

🇸🇪 Sweden and 🇩🇪 Germany show decreased concern at 17% and 30% respectively

Why? European Central Bank policies appear to have tempered inflation fears, with both countries now among those least concerned about rising prices

#2 ECONOMIC SITUATION: A WORLD DIVIDED 🌓

The Ipsos survey exposes a world fractured by optimism and pessimism forged by the uneven path of post-pandemic recovery, where the success of economic policies varies wildly across nations.

🇮🇳 India leads in economic optimism with 81% viewing their situation positively

 Why? 7.2% GDP growth in 2022-23, outpacing most major economies, driven by digital transformation from payments to public services and a rising middle-class

🇯🇵 Japan is at the bottom with only 11% feeling positive about their economy

Why? Decades of stagnation, persistent deflation, and rising inflation, with even a $264 billion budget boost in 2022 failed to lift the economic mood

🇳🇱 The Netherlands shows high economic confidence with 65% positive responses

Why? Strong exports, thriving tech sector, strategic location as Europe's gateway, and highly skilled workforce contribute to its economic resilience

🇮🇩 Indonesia impresses with 80% viewing their economic situation positively

Why? Strong domestic consumption, successful pandemic management, targeted fiscal policies and accelerated vaccination drives boost confidence

🇦🇷 Argentina grapples with deep pessimism, 85% viewing the economy negatively

Why? Trapped in a century-old cycle of economic crises, persistent inflation, currency devaluations, and political instability eroding trust

🇰🇷 South Korea sees 87% holding a negative view of their economic situation

Why? Rapidly aging population, growing economic polarization, and global trade tensions affecting the export-dependent economy

🇵🇪 Peru tops the pessimism chart with 88% viewing their economy negatively

Why? Political instability leading to frequent leadership changes, hampering long-term economic planning and investor confidence

#3 CRIME & VIOLENCE: THE UNEXPECTED RUNNER-UP 🚨

Crime and violence are the second most pressing global concern, demanding urgent attention from policymakers.

🇨🇱 Chile tops the list with 67% of respondents worried about crime and violence

Why? A sharp spike in violent and organized crime since 2019, particularly drug trafficking, exacerbated by social unrest and pandemic-related economic fallout

🇸🇪 Sweden follows closely with 61% concerned, up 6 points from the previous year

Why? An uptick in gang-related violence, with increased shootings and explosions in major cities, sparking debates on integration, police resources, and judicial reforms

🇩🇪 Germany sees crime and violence concerns hit a four-year high at 30%

Why? Rise in politically motivated crimes and concerns about foreign criminal gangs, fueling debates on immigration and integration policies

#4 MILITARY CONFLICT: EASTERN EUROPE ON EDGE 🪖 

The survey captures evolving geopolitical anxieties, with some countries more concerned than others about potential military conflicts.

🇵🇱 Poland: Leads in concerns about military conflict, with 35% of Polish respondents citing it as a worry.

What's behind this? Poland's heightened concern reflects ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly the protracted conflict in neighboring Ukraine. The country's historical experiences and its current role as a frontline NATO state contribute to these anxieties.

#5 TERRORISM: MIDDLE EAST ANXIETIES PERSIST 🥷 

Terrorism remains a significant concern in some regions, particularly in the Middle East.

🇮🇱 Israel: Tops the list for terrorism concerns at 60%.

Why so high? This high level of concern is rooted in Israel's long history of conflict and recent escalations in violence. The significant increase from previous years indicates a deteriorating sense of security among Israelis.

#6 CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): A FADING BUT PRESENT CONCERN 🦠 

While no longer dominating global worries, COVID-19 remains on some people's minds.

👀 Global average: 4% of respondents still cite COVID-19 as a concern.

• 👎 Singapore: Leads with 15% concerned.

• 👎 Malaysia: Follows at 13%.

• 👎 Mexico: 9% still worried.

Why the variance? These figures reflect different approaches to pandemic management and varying levels of health awareness across regions.

#7 CLIMATE CHANGE: A RISING TIDE OF CONCERN ☀️ 

Environmental worries are gaining traction globally.

• 👀 Global average: 17% cite climate change as a top concern.

• 👎 Singapore: Leads with 34% expressing climate anxiety.

Why so high? Singapore's vulnerability to sea-level rise and extreme weather events contributes to this heightened concern.

#8 HEALTHCARE CONCERNS: POST-PANDEMIC PRESSURES ❤️‍🩹 

The survey reveals significant healthcare concerns in several countries, reflecting the pandemic's lasting impact.

• 👎 Hungary: Leads with 62% citing healthcare as a primary concern.

• 👎 Great Britain: 40% worried about healthcare.

• 👎 Italy: 38% concerned.

What's driving this? These figures likely reflect ongoing pressures on healthcare systems, including treatment backlogs, staff shortages, and the need for infrastructure improvements post-pandemic.

#9 GLOBAL TRENDS: A WORLD IN FLUX 📈 📉 

The survey paints a picture of a world grappling with uncertainty.

👀 Global average: Only 38% believe their country is headed in the right direction, while 62% say it's on the wrong track.

👍 Malaysia: Bucking the trend with a 14 percentage point increase in optimism, 65% now say the country is on the right track.

What's changed? This surge in confidence could be attributed to strong economic recovery and political stability following years of turbulence.

#10 ECONOMIC PERCEPTIONS IN G7 COUNTRIES: A MIXED BAG 🧬 

Among the G7 nations, economic perceptions vary widely.

👍 Germany: Saw a 7 percentage point rise in positive economic sentiment, reaching 45% - its highest since July 2023.

Why the uptick? This could be linked to better-than-expected economic performance and successful navigation of energy challenges.

👎 Japan: Remains at the bottom with only 11% viewing their economy positively.

What's the issue? This reflects long-standing challenges with deflation and slow growth.

👀 United States: Shows remarkable consistency, with economic sentiment varying by only 5 percentage points since July 2023.

What does this mean? This suggests a degree of economic stability despite inflationary pressures.

NAVIGATING GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTIES

Consider these strategies:

1. Geographic diversification: Balance your portfolio across resilient and growth-potential markets, while limiting exposure to persistently challenged economies.

2. Inflation protection: Explore inflation-protected securities and real assets to preserve purchasing power.

3. Currency awareness: Monitor economic perceptions in different countries, as they can impact currency exchange rates and market performance.

By understanding these global trends, retail investors can make informed decisions to mitigate risks and potentially capitalize on growth in optimistic markets. Remember, in a world of economic diversity, adaptability is key to financial resilience.