Global Scans · Consumer · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Technology will become the new sales assistant, always on, always friendly, always delivering. Consumers will co-create and create products to their exact needs. Brands will have to focus on seizing mobile moments on apps that already have consumer's attention. Instantly explore below how lifestyles, buying behaviors and attitudes are changing and where you fall short in the battle to win consumers hearts and minds.

• [New] By leveraging new investments in EV production, consumer incentives and charging infrastructure, we will work towards achieving the equivalent of a 90% EV adoption rate by 2040. Prime Minister of Canada
• [New] Asian brands are well placed for future growth, with advances in data and technology expected to improve speed, anticipation of consumer needs and competitiveness across regional and global markets. BMI
• [New] Rather than chase screen-heavy headsets, Apple is reportedly building AI-driven smart glasses designed around context, not displays, with production timelines pointing toward late 2026 and a 2027 consumer launch. Next Reality
• [New] Consumer credit lending growth of 5.7% (net) is forecast in 2027, slowing slightly to 5.3% in 2028. / UK EY
• [New] Total bank lending (across mortgages, consumer credit and business borrowing) is forecast to slow from 4.1% (net growth) in 2025 to 3.1% in 2026. EY
• [New] All consumer credit providers will be expected to operate under CCD2 by late 2026. Powens
• [New] Defaults on UK consumer loans are expected to stay low over the next few years, remaining at 0.8% in 2026 (unchanged from 2025), rising marginally to 0.9% in 2027 and 2028. EY
• [New] Social commerce revenue is projected to hit $6.2 trillion by 2030, growing at 32% annually between 2023 and 2030, reflecting the rapid expansion of social media retail and its increasing role in consumer behaviour. Los Angeles Times
• [New] S&P predicts headline inflation to stay elevated through 2026 and possibly 2027 before easing by 2028-2029, supported by tight monetary policy, narrower deficits, and slower consumer lending growth. The Astana Times
• [New] For 2026, the US economy is expected to maintain steady growth, driven by resilient consumer spending, supported by potential tax adjustments that are expected to lead to higher consumer income, combined with potential monetary easing. Polymerupdate
• [New] Consumer spending could get a tailwind from what economists anticipate will be larger tax refunds in 2026 because of tax cuts. The Guardian
• [New] With strong momentum, increasing consumer interest, and continued innovation, the future of the EV industry is bright, offering exciting opportunities for growth and transformation in global mobility. Lectron EV
• [New] The U.S. video game industry enters 2026 with the potential to reach a new record high in consumer spending, following a year of slight growth driven by new hardware, rising subscription engagement, and robust player demand across platforms. Gaming And Media
• [New] The mobility application segment is expected to grow with an expected CAGR of 32.4% from 2025 to 2033, with the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles in heavy-duty transport. Market Data Forecast
• [New] Consumer confidence, mortgage rate trends and shifts in federal policy could play a key role in shaping housing demand and pricing in 2026. Florida Realtors
• [New] As Canada continues to make the transition to electric mobility, strategic partnerships will continue to play a key role in the move towards a greener future. Auto & Trucking Atlantic
• [New] Last-Mile Mobility Expansion: The global last-mile delivery segment is projected to exceed $453.21 billion by 2035, a 8% compound annual growth rate. Frost & Sullivan
• [New] By 2029, global open banking revenues are forecast to hit $95.00 billion, as data-sharing ecosystems mature and consumer usage deepens. MEXC
• [New] Adjusting for inflation, consumer spending at restaurants is projected to rise at a relatively modest rate of 1.3% in 2026. Restaurant Business

Last updated: 26 February 2026