Ireland's Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index experienced a modest increase to 61.2 in December 2025, slightly up from 61.0 in November, achieving the highest level observed since September. Despite this uptick, sentiment remains significantly lower than both the 73.9 registered at the same time last year and the long-term average of 83.6. Ongoing concerns about living costs continue to dampen consumer confidence, even in the face of robust economic growth.
Consumer confidence has largely stagnated since reaching a two-year low of 58.7 in April, primarily due to anxieties surrounding new US tariffs. In contrast, consumer sentiment in both the UK and the eurozone has rebounded after a similar decline in April related to trade concerns. The survey authors noted, "Over the past year, there has been a widespread reduction in the optimism of Irish consumers regarding economic conditions and their personal financial situations. Given the significant influence of the US on the Irish economy, it stands to reason that trade worries would heavily influence the perspectives of Irish consumers." In the first nine months of 2025, Ireland's economy expanded by 4.1% year-on-year.
