Cryptocurrencies are moving beyond an investment prospect and into the realm of everyday transactions. Their place in global currency has grown exponentially, reflecting their soaring value, and 

 say they find NFTs ‘interesting’ or ‘helpful’. For 

, Bitcoin has been accepted as legal tender since September 2021 – even for low-cost purchases at 

. Meanwhile, for those inhabiting the metaverse of Axie Infinity, gameplay is meeting crypto-mining to become a source of income for millions of Southeast Asians. Companies like 

 are well placed to tap into this interest by using their platforms to expedite crypto transactions.

The pandemic led to a surge in amateur crypto investors operating from their bedrooms, and payment platforms are taking steps to make crypto moves easier. 

, for instance, is introducing crypto trading capabilities. However, it isn’t so clear whether increased interest has led to increased understanding. In the US, 

 of people don’t really understand cryptocurrencies, with 

 saying the same. But more and more people are getting involved, with Boomers providing 77% of 

 user growth in 2020. Support will be essential to bridge any knowledge gaps and help people avoid running foul of the volatility of cryptocurrencies, especially since 39%of Americans can’t cover a surprise $1,000 bill.

The growth of cryptocurrencies – and their cultural cachet – is leading legacy financial institutions to pursue a piece of the pie. Visa’s purchase of the 

 NFT indicates how mainstream the digital economy is becoming. But for individuals, dual offline and online financial lives can be dangerous – rapid shifts to digital payments can pose significant dangers to the financially vulnerable. 

can make it much harder to keep track of debts, for instance, and crypto gambling is on the rise, with 

 of those who gamble online in the UK saying they are more likely to use crypto by May 2022. There are emotional risks too – tech has been found to increase isolation among 

, leading to questions about how fully digital financial interactions might impact our mental health.

The pandemic has given hygiene-friendly peer-to-peer solutions a boost – and they’re ushering in a whole new era of banking. Owned by Jack Dorsey’s Square, Cash App is a one-stop digital banking solution that’s attracting increasingly bitcoin-savvy investors, rappers included.

Cash App: mobile banking for the bitcoin-curious

Whether they’re trading stocks on Robinhood or buying into Bitcoin, Americans are eager to seize control of their finances in the wake of the pandemic. But what do they expect from businesses in this sector? Canvas8 polled 1,000 Americans and spoke to eight people to find out.

What do Americans look for in financial services?

India's gig economy is booming, with the number of gig workers nationwide set to reach 23.5 million by 2030. However, due to the uncertainty of this income stream, most people remain cautious of their finances. How can brands harness tech and education to bolster a sense of financial security?

How Indians are managing money amid the rise of AI

Japanese households once again cut spending in September due to inflation and a weak yen pushing up living costs. As people continue to face financial anxiety, there is a burgeoning demand for budget-friendly brands, while many workers are also seeking a better work-life balance.

Japanese households further cut spending as costs rise

More than half of Australians consider the country’s income distribution to be unfair, and satisfaction with democracy is on the decline nationwide. Faith in traditional institutions is wavering globally, leading some people to turn towards anti-establishment voices for solutions.

Australians report decreased satisfaction with democracy

The consequences of teen gambling addiction are being brought to life in a Korean short film. Once thought of as an adult crisis, easy access to online gambling platforms has led to addicts skewing younger, prompting conversations about whose responsibility it is to keep young people safe.

Ad campaign highlights Korea’s teen gambling epidemic

South Koreans love to spend. But what happens when the country faces a financial crisis? With many people steeped in debt, younger generations are now being forced to downsize their purchases and miss out on major life milestones. How can brands help them fight against economic headwinds?

How South Koreans save while staying aspirational

Puig exceeded expectations with its Q3 earnings, bolstered by fragrance and skincare sales and demand in the EMEA region and Americas. As brands within luxury ponder whether to ‘go high’ or 'go low', Puig is opting for an enticing strategy – ‘go niche’ to stand out in a turbulent market.

Puig courts niche audiences within luxury

Some disillusioned workers in France are travelling out of the city to work the soil – but only for a few days a week. Seeking both meaning in life and financial stability, these workers are contributing to the popularity of multi-hyphenate careers spanning both urban and rural environments.

French seek meaning and money through part-time farming

Uncertain economic conditions are causing inflation to hike up insurance costs and premiums. In response, Aussie consumers want tech-informed policies and products aligned with the current financial situation. What does this mean? Accessible and affordable coverage.

Why Australians want insurance to reflect their real-life needs

How has Fintech changed the way Germans approach money management? How is the rise of spirituality and diverse belief systems changing the religious landscape? And why is marriage on the decline? This Cultural Snapshot of Germany in 2024 explores the key behavioural shifts.

A Cultural Snapshot of Germany: 2024 - 2025

Car buyers in Germany are showing muted demand for electric cars as the cost and quality of EVs fail to meet their needs. Countries recognise the need for an urgent transition towards a greener future, but balancing the competing needs of people and brands is an uphill battle.

Fewer German car buyers are opting for electric vehicles

Banks and financial institutions in Australia have spent the last decade competing with each other by improving their customer experience and providing seamless online transactions. With the dramatic rise of fraud and scams in the country, is it time to put some of that friction back?

Can payment friction combat Australia’s online fraud?

A Mastercard campaign aims to boost autism acceptance in Singapore, sharing stories and driving inclusion in everyday spaces. As people choose to back brands that reflect their values and take steps toward inclusion, this ad highlights how brands can connect through intentional storytelling.

Mastercard spotlights autism and hidden disabilities 

Research shows that over half of London-based workers earning less than a 'real living wage' have had to turn to food banks in 2023/24. As the UK's economy begins to recover, wide disparities across economic groups are persisting, leaving many in need of additional support.

Lowest paid Londoners are turning to food banks 

Thousands of celebrity deepfakes are flooding the web, targeting would-be investors with crypto scams. As people look to the fractured digital space as an authoritative source of information and open-source AI models bring deepfakes to the fore, the scam signals a new frontier for disinformation.

Elon Musk deepfake scam stokes disinformation fears

Kyoto is partnering with e-gift firm Giftee on a 'Donate & Go' service, making it easier for tourists to contribute to regional efforts by giving half the donation back as e-money for local use. This maintains heritage, tackles over-tourism, and supports local businesses without reducing visitors.

Kyoto tackles over-tourism with e-gifts for tourists

The last decade has seen an explosion of fintech companies in Africa attempting to bank the unbanked but none have been as successful as OPay. How exactly have OPay’s efforts to drive financial inclusion turned it into the country’s biggest fintech success story?

How OPay serves Nigeria’s financially underserved entrepreneurs

Perceived financial pressures are making people more frugal and favour adverse. Some of this stress could be related to money dysmorphia, an exaggerated insecurity about one's finances. Brands can help by reassuring people and focusing on things that are more important than money.

Frugality in friendship: a growing issue for Gen Z and Y

Service provider Optus is doubling down on its commitment to the Australian small business community with its new campaign. As many owners struggle with the economic challenges of running a small business, the company shows an empathetic understanding and provides tangible support. 

Optus goes 'All In' on supporting Australian SMEs

A new campaign by Australian Unity reflects the challenge of balancing work and life through multiple life stages, improving representation and services for older Australians. The campaign highlights an opportunity for brands to consider the evolving health needs of older shoppers.

Australian Unity spotlights balance throughout life

Latin American SMEs, key to the region's economy, face limited access to credit and complex regulations but many are leveraging fintech, digital connectivity, and new educational models to drive growth. Can they unlock their full potential and spark a local economic renaissance?

What do Latin American SMEs need to thrive?

As the luxury sector takes a hit, the UK branch of Bulgari announced losses in 2023 due to economic instability and reduced tourism. With financial concerns worsening, trends like #underconsumptioncore and 'affordable luxury' rise, offering leverage for smaller, cheaper, and stylish alternatives.




Smaller brands may emerge as Bulgari UK struggles

Indian Gen Zers are preparing for an uncertain economic future by changing the way they manage their money. They prioritise value, are more entrepreneurial, and have more open discussions about finances. They want to enjoy life now while securing their future, making careful spending decisions that reflect both prudence and aspiration.

How is India’s Gen Z changing the way they earn and spend money?

Gen Yers and Zers in India are building financial independence by establishing various (mostly passive) income streams like investments, content creation, and freelancing. This is their solution to economic uncertainty, but how can brands help them in their quest to gain control over their finances?

How varied income streams give Indians economic certainty

What happens after the US election? How should brands navigate a hyper-politicised landscape? And where will the new opportunities emerge in an unstable political environment? In the 2025 US Macro Expert Outlook, Adam Berinsky explores what the US will look like in the year ahead.

2025 Expert Outlook on the USA

South Korean digital payments platform Naver Pay has launched a feature that allows users to raise a digital pet and earn points while doing so. As more Koreans embrace gamified e-commerce, brands are exploring more innovative mechanisms to keep people emotionally engaged.

Naver Pay levels up gamification with virtual pets

As the economy strengthens and Americans' financial sentiments improve, the 'vibecession' – where people feel pessimistic about money matters – is slowly lifting. But does this increased confidence stem from financial strategies and lifestyle hacks that are frowned upon by wider society?

American money dysmorphia is slowly dissipating  

By tokenizing assets such as stocks, bonds, and gold, Swarm Markets aims to enable investors to trade more efficiently and cost-effectively. How could this technology revolutionize how professional and retail traders access different assets by providing them with a better experience? 

Why Swarm Markets uses tokenization to empower traders

What if you could unlock your hotel room, get into a concert, collect loyalty points, and prove your ID just by tapping your phone? It could all soon be possible for the UK’s critical spenders thanks to an announcement in August that Apple is opening up its tap-to-pay tech to third-party developers.

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds loyalty for Britons

Will AI regulation in finance curb innovation? What might help protect people from financial fraud? How will new pricing regulations impact shopper confidence? In this part of the 2025 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about where financial behaviours are headed next year.

2025 Expert Outlook on Money

With the rise of cryptocurrency, AI-driven fraud, and an evolving regulatory landscape, innovative detection methods and regulatory technology (RegTech) firms that leverage new technologies, like ComplyAdvantage, can disrupt the fintech space in Australia. What is the future of this industry?

How ComplyAdvantage eases Aussie concerns about fraud

How Apple’s Tap-to-Pay builds loyalty with critical spenders

Despite some Gen Zers wanting to cut back on non-essentials due to rising living costs and eco concerns, many are willing to concede on their budgeting for events. For brands, this represents an opportunity for IRL reach and impact during moments when people are most open to indulging.

Gen Z forego budget-conscious mindsets for live events

Healthcare technology company Zelis has debuted an out-of-network payments solution to help plan members navigate medical bills in a convenient and accessible way. The service acknowledges challenges around paying for medical care, addressing pain points around affordability and transparency. 

Zelis removes barriers around medical payments

Audio manufacturers Bang & Olufsen have released a line of future-proof headphones with modular components designed for easy repair and replacement. As eco-concerns converge with more critical spending habits, perspectives on sustainability are shifting to centre durability and slower consumption

Bang & Olufsen centre durability with modular headphones

Visa has announced an initiative to help boost consumer protection when people pay bills by bank transfer. As concerns over financial fraud with digital and online banking increase, the enhanced security measures are set to give consumers greater control and protection over how they pay.

Visa to launch enhanced consumer payment protections

A combination of responsibilities for their children and aging parents and economic challenges mean Gen Xers are feeling financially unprepared for retirement. Many are considering moving in with their kids to make ends meet and may need help broaching these conversations.

Gen X ‘Silver Squatters’ feel unprepared for retirement

More than half of US parents report needing financial assistance to buy the technology their kids need for their education, a worrying statistic as the back-to-school season kicks off. As tech becomes more essential in schools, parents seek reliable and affordable products for their kids.

US parents face financial barriers in buying tech for kids

How are UK cities engaging their inhabitants in city life? Where do city dwellers go for fun, and to spend their money? And what challenges are people in cities facing in 2024? This Urban Cultural Snapshot blends data and expert insight to illuminate contemporary behaviours in UK cities.

A Cultural Snapshot of the urban UK 2024 - 2025

M&S’s back-to-school campaign, ‘School Happens,’ captures the everyday chaos of school life. By focusing on the durability of its uniforms, M&S taps into parents’ focus on quality and value, offering a relatable take on what kids – and their clothing – really go through during the school year.

M&S shows durability and value in back to school spot

What does life in the UK look like outside of cities? Why is wild swimming a lifeline for community? What's next for UK localism? This snapshot explores the behavioural shifts and norms of those living in rural communities up and down the UK in 2024.

UK Cultural Snapshot: Rural Behaviours 2024 - 2025

Gen Zers are becoming landlords in increasing numbers as property investment grows as a side hustle for ambitious young Britons. As traditional career paths fracture, young people are looking for alternative ways to make ends meet, looking for passive income to allow them to pursue their passions.

Buy-to-let culture builds British Gen Z's passive income

Inspired by the success of brands, Lidl launched a limited edition set of GBP 20 ($26.4) mystery boxes for shoppers in the UK. Each box contained items usually found in the retailer’s notoriously eclectic middle aisle worth over GBP 100 ($132.2), meeting desires for thrifty indulgence.

Lidl’s middle aisle mystery boxes promote cheap splurges

As the older half of Gen Xers approach retirement age, many are without adequate pension funds to leave the workforce. As this group navigates a myriad of financial pressures, there’s an opportunity for brands to better support the needs of an often overlooked generation.

Retirement is becoming a distant dream for US Gen Xers

TikTok finance influencers have found popularity among Gen Z by doling out advice on how to get rich quickly. With economic insecurity fuelling widespread anxiety among this group, young people are increasingly turning to alternative sources of authority for ways to circumvent a broken system.

‘Hustle bro’ influencers sell financial freedom to Gen Z

Indians are increasingly drawn to exclusivity, customisation, and status when it comes to their gadgets, opening doors for high-end phones and specialised services. Leading this shift in the country are brands like Apple and Samsung, which are considered luxury products.

How are phones transforming into personal assets for Indians?

Stables is at the forefront of digital payment innovation, bridging traditional finance and the stablecoin market. By pioneering new ways to integrate and simplify digital assets, it taps into Australia’s growing adoption of digital transactions, making stablecoin a seamless part of finances.

How Stables drives crypto inclusion in Australia

Teens are turning to summer jobs again in increasing numbers, reversing a decades-long decline. The cost of living crisis is pushing Gen Z to look for short-term work during the season. As teens look to get an early start on their careers, employers have an opportunity to attract young talent.

Cost of living crisis spikes Gen Z summer job growth

Axis Bank has joined hands with Visa to launch Primus, a premier credit card for India’s ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs). As luxury appetites mature, affluent Indians will expect brands to offer insider, bespoke products and services that centre on one-of-a-kind experiences.

Axis Bank unlocks VIP experiences for India’s UHNWIs

As Americans struggle to make ends meet, credit card balances are skyrocketing, with young spenders falling into delinquency at higher rates. While an inflationary economy has eased, many young Americans are still struggling to keep afloat and risking their economic future to do so.

Young Americans fall behind on credit card payments

In 2024, Australians will navigate the balance between their deeply held values and economic realities. While their decisions mirror their desire for societal change, the cost of living crisis has shifted priorities. How do these dual realities shape people’s lives and decisions amid trying times?

A Cultural Snapshot of Australia: 2024

The price and rigidity of healthcare payments present a major barrier to Americans getting the support they need. Acknowledging the challenges around payment plans, PayZen enables people to pay their healthcare costs in installments either before or after they receive the treatment.

PayZen adds flexibility to American healthcare bills

’Tis the season to gift, browse, and shop. Aussies haven’t lost any appetite for the Christmas season as a majority of the country continues to celebrate despite rising costs of living, spending most of their time and money with family. How can brands tap into the country’s holiday spirit?

How are Aussies shopping for Christmas?

Age Concern New Zealand and ANZ have launched a scam prevention campaign featuring American crime drama series CHiPs. The ad reimagines the series to resonate with older audiences, who are typically targeted by scammers, providing them with the tools and confidence to protect themselves from fraud.

ANZ campaign prompts Boomers to watch out for scammers

Expedia, Wells Fargo and Mastercard have unveiled two new co-branded credit cards offering enhanced benefits for U.S. travelers. As people continue to prioritise experiences over material goods, they're seeking more holistic loyalty programs that integrate seamlessly into their lifestyles.

Expedia travel credit card rewards everyday spenders

Credit Karma reports that US Gen Zers continue to be influenced by social media when it comes to overconsumption, but they’re also resisting the allure of influencer-driven purchases. As brands navigate these tensions, there’s an opportunity to invest in non-paid UGC to drive long-lasting loyalty.

Young Americans fight back against overconsumption

Everyone knows that Gen Zers are a digitally savvy bunch – but not all banks seem to have caught up yet. With the majority of this cohort now in adulthood and ready to open a flurry of accounts with financial services providers, how can brands win them over and satisfy their need for convenience?

What are Gen Zers looking for in a bank account?

After a three-year wait, Revolut has received a UK banking licence (with restrictions) from the sector regulator. Digital banks are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, meeting audience expectations for convenience, personalisation, and accessibility, whereas legacy banks are lagging behind.

New licence puts Revolut in revamped challenger position

Venmo, the American mobile payment service, has achieved cultural clout and a dedicated following among US Gen Y and Zers thanks to its novel approach in making it fun to send money between friends. What does its rise in popularity say about how people's money management skills are shifting?

How Venmo became the go-to payment provider for US youth

Pret a Manger has announced the end of its coffee subscription programme. The service offered its subscribers nearly unlimited coffee for a monthly fee. As people look to cut costs, they’re looking to give their loyalty to brands that help them save money on daily splurges.

Pret a Manger shutters popular subscription service

Indian fintech startup Jupiter is refashioning banking in India at breakneck speed. With its live expense tracking, easy investment channels and smart saving tools, Jupiter takes on the role of a financial partner to Indian Gen Y and Z. But how did it make its name in the sacred space of banking?

How Jupiter simplifies money management for Gen Y Indians

With youth unemployment at an all-time high and forecasts for Chinese GDP indicating a continued slowdown, young people are saving in an attempt to take control. In contrast to global trends, China’s youth are shirking impulsive purchases and setting extreme saving challenges on social media.

Chinese Gen Z are ‘revenge saving’ for economic security

Despite being seen as high-tech, Japan has been slow to adopt fintech solutions. The country ranks among the top in APAC that are slow to embrace cashless payments. However, this situation may soon change as Olive tailors its app and all-in-one card to promote cashless living in Japan.

How Olive manages Japanese people’s cashless confidence

Belong is a new savings app targeting UK Gen Yers who feel priced out of the housing market. It wants to help them find new approaches to building their personal wealth, but how can their strategies help to boost people’s financial outlook in the long term?

How Belong helps Gen Y Brits build long-term wealth

Gen Zers are driving membership in big-box stores like the Walmart-owned Sam’s Club, pointing to changing money-saving behaviors among young Americans. As belts continue to tighten, young people are investing in cost-cutting memberships to afford daily indulgences.




Cost-conscious Gen Zers flock to Sam's Club

Tito’s Handmade Vodka has launched a campaign targeting those going on ‘staycations’ this summer, looking to connect with those relaxing at home instead of traveling for holidays. As more people embrace staycations as economic concerns force cutbacks, they’re looking for ways to relax at home.

Tito's Vodka taps into staycation behaviors

Money

Spriggy empowers Aussie kids to master money skills via gamified tools that make learning how to save and spend more fun. Targeting ages six to 17, it blends interactive lessons with real-world tasks. But it faces a key challenge: can it keep users safe and win parents' trust in the digital world?

Why Spriggy banks on practical play for Aussie Gen Alphas

Despite regulator concerns, financial company Robinhood has begun offering event derivatives that effectively allow people to bet on the outcome of the US election. With doubts brewing around the legitimacy of America’s democracy, brands are being called upon to uphold the value of voting.

Robinhood derivatives stir election influence debate

The Ordinary has introduced a 'choose a price' system for its Daily Set, offering full-price and discount options. This empathetic, trust-based model aims to make skincare accessible, foster community care, and acknowledge financial realities, contrasting with typical pricing systems.

The Ordinary allows skintellectuals to pick their price

Robinhood has responded to the increased sophistication of its users with the launch of a desktop platform and new trading options for its app. People are taking greater ownership of their financial futures amid uncertainty, prompting brands to level up their offerings.

Robinhood courts experienced investors with new features

A study has revealed that Gen Xers are likely to be hit the hardest by the retirement crisis brewing in the UK. While reforms promise to deliver higher returns for pensioners, declining institutional trust means that people will be looking to brands for support around their retirement needs.

UK Gen Xers’ retirement dreams don’t match up to reality

Fintech start-up Fizz has revamped its money app, which empowers US students to manage their money with confidence. While there’s no shortage of finance apps aimed at Gen Z, it’s zeroing in on college students’ unique financial mindsets and challenges to achieve meaningful personalization.

Fizz helps college students achieve financial wellness

Digital challenger Parabank has teamed up with fintech provider Dock to launch cards that cater to Brazilians with disabilities. With the fintech revolution well underway in the country, the brand demonstrates what an intersectional approach to financial inclusion might look like.

Parabank meets financial needs of Brazilians with disabilities

WalletHub's study on financial distress in the US has found that Michigan is the most financially insecure state, followed closely by Texas. As financial worries deepen, people are looking to brands for guidance and practical solutions that can improve their economic stability.

Michigan tops list of financially insecure US states

HSBC has launched a campaign starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas that showcases food as an antidote for homesickness. With India cementing itself as a global hub for luxury spending, there’s an opportunity for brands to zero in on the lifestyle needs and desires of HNW Indians living abroad.

HSBC taps star power to court wealthy Indian expats

Monzo is launching a new account for children aged under 16, which will let them set savings goals and organise money. With British parents increasingly looking for ways to safeguard their children's financial futures, the move looks to help Gen Alphas find their financial footing.

Monzo announces new bank accounts for Gen Alphas

Unsure what the future holds and still making up for years of restrictions, Gen Y and Z are prioritizing the here and now and splurging on non-essentials. As a result, they're turning to credit and their parents' support, signaling both a desire for escape and a need-it-now mentality.

Gens Y and Z turn to parents instead of saving

Credit Karma has revealed that young Americans are determined to have a summer of fun, even if it damages their finances. As they reckon with uncertain futures, people are looking to satisfy their escapist desires sooner rather than later and are prioritizing fun-filled travel to fulfil this need.

Young Americans are prioritizing summer fun over finance

India's PM Narendra Modi won a third term, but his party lost an outright majority. Luxury spending rises, but the class divide grows. Tech innovations loom but also spread misinformation. Why? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore behavioural norms shared by people in India in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of India: 2024

Single older women in Australia are taking innovative approaches to battling the housing crisis, such as living in converted tiny homes and caravans. But given that older women are the fastest-growing homeless population in Australia, signalling a need for more sustainable solutions.

Older Australian women face higher risk of homelessness

Young people often struggle to make their expenses and their incomes match up, accumulating debts that weaken their credit scores and make their lives harder. Seeking to address address this, Fizz's debit card helps Gen Zers build credit through various helpful and interactive tools. 

Fizz helps Gen Z build credit-ability

A survey from LendingTree has found that adults in the US are struggling to afford fast food meals, with many people seeing them as luxury purchases. As inflation disrupts spending habits, brands can cater to priced-out consumers by encouraging indulgence at an affordable price point.

US adults view fast food as a luxury

A study has revealed that teens from lower-income households in South Korea are less inclined to have a family in the future, signalling the deep-seated inequalities within Korean society. Financial pressures are putting young people off starting a family, changing and altering life milestones.

Money woes put Korean teens off the idea of marriage

In South Korea, office workers are swapping their go-to lunch restaurants for cafeterias and office-based canteens in an attempt to save on their lunch-related expenses. Amid the cost of living, people are having to adjust to decreased budgets and adopt new spending habits.

Cost-savvy Koreans are turning to cafeterias for lunch

The Malaysian pharmacy unveiled a new option for employees to access their paychecks pre-payday in an effort to support their various needs. This initiative highlights how brands can become empathetic employers and be proactive about their workers' experiences, especially in challenging times.

Guardian makes wages available early for employees

Research has found that Americans are increasingly avoiding spending money during lunch breaks in favour of more weekend and holiday leisure. As people continue to be more conscious of their spending during inflation, they're making key decisions that uphold not just function but fun.

Americans are skipping lunch for weekend splurges

McDonald’s has launched a month-long promotion for summer 2024, offering four items for $5, a response to criticism about the rising cost of fast food. Inflation is pushing people to develop new habits, and brands are incorporating low-cost options to win over deal-hungry eaters.

McDonald's launches meal deal for cost-conscious eaters

Chinese Gen Zers’ financial concerns are changing where and how they shop on social channels. From deal hunting to virtual influence, what do brands need to know about the new realities of social commerce in the country – and where do the biggest opportunities for innovation lie?

Gen Zers’ thrifty mindsets are changing social shopping in China

Research suggests that even top-earning Americans are living paycheck to paycheck – demonstrating how deeply inflation has hurt the country’s pocketbooks. As people's buying power decreases and discretionary spending remains low, they're looking to trade down or put off big purchases.

Top-earning Americans "living paycheck to paycheck"

Inflation is hitting US fast-casual food chains hard as low-to-middle-income people increasingly stay at home rather than going out to eat. They're trading down to offset the rising cost of living, and brands are struggling to offer value to these price-sensitive eaters.

Fast-casual chains could be latest casualty of inflation

Amid the cost of living crisis hitting Aussies, Gen Zers are finding new ways to save up despite the difficult job market and rising costs of goods. Younger generations are taking control of their finances, holding themselves accountable, and relinquishing their fear of judgement around money.

Why are Aussie Gen Zers embracing loud budgeting?

Large companies have begun to notice that low-income consumers are running low on both patience and funds as inflation continues to squeeze pocketbooks well into 2024. Lower-income people remain the hardest hit by inflation and are looking for brands to support them as costs continue to rise.

Inflation is leading to high levels of spending scrutiny

Savings and investments

People are starting to accept crypto as mainstream

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