According to a survey by Global Advisors and Ipsos, two-thirds of consumers in 30 countries surveyed say that prices for transportation, food and drink, and utilities are higher than they were six months ago. Half of consumers say the same about clothing and shoes, housing, medical and health care, and entertainment. The countries where prices are most widely perceived to have increased include all six in Latin America, all four in Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, and South Africa. Consumers who report higher prices for the products and services they buy tend to be more affluent and older. Globally, about as many consumers expect their household spending in the next three months to increase (42%) as expect it to stay the same (41%). Expectations of increased spending vary widely across countries, ranging from more than 60% in Romania and Argentina to just 16% in Japan. Consumers who expect their spending to increase are slightly more affluent and younger than those who don't.
