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] Consumer confidence is expected to fall sharply in January, down 3.5 points to -26.9, after a slight rise of 0.7 points to -23.4 in December. BMWI
• [New] New tax cuts are expected to bolster consumer spending in 2026, which could benefit consumer staples stocks. / USA Morgan Stanley
• [New] The evolution of consumer demand during 2026 in response to the Chinese government's anti-involution stance and price floor regulation will move focus to a high-end, value-driven consumption. EV Infrastructure News
• [New] Payment processors Visa, Mastercard and American Express will illuminate consumer spending trends, offering valuable perspectives on household financial health heading into 2026. IG
• [New] US consumer resilience is expected to persist in 2026, supported by strong household balance sheets and slowing but healthy income growth. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] Even though OpenAI and ChatGPT have been the undisputed leaders in consumer AI for three years now, since ChatGPT first launched, that they will stumble in 2026 and that Google is already a lot closer to ChatGPT than most people think. eMarketer
• [New] What to Expect: US Stocks If January consumer confidence comes in above expectations, equities, particularly domestically focused sectors like retail and consumer discretionary, could see support as stronger confidence suggests resilience in household spending. FinancialJuice
• [New] Voice is expected to become a $45 billion channel for voice commerce by 2028, making it essential for businesses to integrate voice search optimization into their future-oriented SEO strategies to stay competitive and meet evolving consumer behaviours. Chandler Flex Rewards
• [New] Snap's upcoming Specs aim for a consumer-friendly price and lighter design in 2026, which could finally move AR out of enthusiast territory. Glass Almanac
• [New] AI agents could generate more than $1 trillion in economic value for U.S. businesses by 2030 by streamlining important yet routine steps in consumer decision-making. CNBC
• [New] AI will have its Uber and Airbnb moment in 2026, as startups revolutionize customer experiences and disrupt slower-moving business-to-consumer (B2C) enterprises. CIO
• [New] Shaky consumer confidence and spending, largely influenced by sticky inflation, will extend well into 2026. Packaging Dive
• [New] Ultimately, Novo Nordisk anticipates high levels of consumer demand for oral Wegovy, with uptake driven by cost-related reasons as much as patient-friendly administration. Pharmaceutical Technology
• [New] What to Expect Canada Stocks If December GDP comes in above expectations, Canadian equities - particularly sectors exposed to domestic demand like consumer discretionary and financials - could benefit as stronger economic activity underscores resilience in growth. FinancialJuice
• [New] A new Consumer AI Disruption Index from Boston Consulting Group and Moloco finds 67% of senior marketing leaders expect high levels of AI-driven disruption to consumer behaviour. MarketingProfs
• [New] Containerboard demand will play into other 2026 trends involving pricing and facility closures, and it will be influenced heavily by consumer spending. Packaging Dive
• [New] On a volume basis, global packaging demand is expected to increase by about ~3% annually through 2028, driven by population growth, urbanization, and ongoing demand for packaged consumer products. Packaging Technology Today
• [New] Businesses that anticipate regulatory, infrastructure and cost challenges now will lead the next chapter in mobility in 2026 and beyond. Shoosmiths LLP
• [New] With the launch of Etihad Rail passenger train services, the national rail network is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits, including: enhance tourism, supporting mobility, helping efforts to reduce emissions, and strengthening social and economic ties between the Emirates. The Indian Express
• [New] With changing consumer trends, companies that are emphasizing quality, innovation, and adherence to health standards are going to continue leading the global tattoo accessories industry. Markets and Data
• [New] With 13.3% of U.S. workers now working from home regularly, employees expect workplace technology to work as smoothly as consumer apps. monday.com Blog
• [New] Students increasingly consider studying in Asia or non-Anglophone Europe for cost, mobility ease, and regional economic opportunities. MASTERGRADSCHOOLS

Last updated: 29 January 2026