By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

2025 PREDICTIONS

Look to hear more about Gen Alpha and personalization and less about “buy now” buttons and QR codes, based on Stagwell’s Assembly 2025 Global Predictions. Among them:

• Research into Gen Alpha, often dubbed “iPad kids,” will accelerate, driving a surge in YouTube content tailored to their interests.
• Searches starting with “do I need” or “should I” are surging 65% to 85% – signaling a shift in how people seek personalized information.
• Statewide elections in New Jersey and Virginia – and major mayoral campaigns in New York, Atlanta and Detroit – will significantly affect the advertising landscape.
• The shopping revolution will accelerate as we move beyond QR codes and static “Buy Now” buttons to fully embedded, seamless commerce.
• Social media will become the go-to search engine for younger consumers.

OUT WITH TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY PARTIES

Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping how employees celebrate the holiday season, according to research by The Harris Poll.

• 48% now host regular in-person holiday events.
• 74% of employees look forward to these celebrations.
• Yet only 37% of Gen Z say they are very likely to attend.
• 42% of Gen Z prefer alcohol to be served in moderation or not at all.
• 71% of employees would opt for additional time off instead of a holiday party.

WILL GEN X BE ABLE TO RETIRE?

Many Gen Xers fear they will not be able to afford retirement, based on our Harris Poll survey with Bloomberg News.

• 43% of Gen X say they can afford to retire at age 65.
• 73% of employed Gen X say they anticipate working longer to afford retirement.
• 38% say they likely will have to work their entire lives.
• For those without a 401(k), 26% say they do not expect to retire at all.
• 76% believe politicians have no idea how to fix Social Security.

HONESTY NOT THE BEST POLICY

Being too honest at work can damage a career, according to our Harris Poll survey with Express Employment Professionals.

• 65% feel being “too honest” at work damages an employee’s professional reputation.
• Hiring managers say employees can be “too honest” when sharing personal information (65%), criticizing colleagues or the company (53%), gossiping or spreading rumors (51%) and venting about colleagues or projects (46%).
• In fact, 67% of hiring managers say talking about personal matters at work hinders productivity.

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• What’s A Caring Company To Do? CSR In Turbulent Times
• How AI is changing the game for 3 creatives
• Social media buzz boosts UK demand for Guinness among young adults

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

NO POLITICS AT THIS YEAR’S HOLIDAY DINNER

After a divisive election season, Americans want to enjoy the holidays without talking about politics, based on our Harris Poll research with the American Psychological Association.

• 7 in 10 want to avoid political discussions with family this holiday season.
• 83% agree that the holidays are a time to forget political differences.
• 39% say they are stressed by the thought of politics coming up at holiday gatherings.
• Yet 65% say that, if politics do come up, they are not worried about it hurting family relationships.

TRADITION RULES IN THE KITCHEN

Americans are most influenced by family traditions and nostalgia when making holiday meals, according to our Harris Poll survey with Instacart.

• 88% are gearing up to cook festive meals for Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s Eve.
• 67% say family traditions are a top influence when selecting holiday dishes (73% for women versus 61% for men).
• Married people (73%) are more likely than non-married (62%) to be influenced by traditions.
• Turkey (56%) and ham (52%) are the most preferred main dishes.
• Yet younger generations are venturing beyond the traditional, favoring chicken dishes (47% for Gen Z and 43% for Millennials versus Gen X at 28% and Boomers at 21%).
• Hot chocolate is Americans’ favorite holiday beverage (58%), followed by eggnog (42%), cider (26%), mulled wine (13%) and hot toddy (13%).

TRUST IN COMMUNICATORS HIGHER THAN CEO’S

Chief Communications Officers (CCOs) are more trusted than CEOs, according to the fourth annual CEO-Communicators Perceptions Survey by HarrisX and Ragan Communications.

• 76% of non-CCOs report trusting their CCOs “a great deal” on external communications, followed by 72% for internal/employee communications, 67% for DE&I, 64% for media relations and 60% for sustainability.
• Trust in CEOS on DE&I matters has declined to 42% in 2024 (from 53% in 2023 and 59% in 2022).
• While 79% of leaders believe AI positively affects communication quality, smaller organizations remain hesitant to adopt the tools into the communications tech stack.
• See also: Key takeaways from the Ragan and HarrisX 4th annual Survey of Communications Leaders

40% HAVE NOT HAD A SINGLE JOB INTERVIEW THIS YEAR

Americans are struggling more than ever to land job interviews, according to our Harris Poll survey with the American Staffing Association.

• 45% will continue looking for a job in the new year.
• 42% have applied to 10 or more positions this year.
• 50% would not accept a job without a remote or hybrid policy.
• 31% would not apply for a job opening that required a cover letter.

TOO MUCH SHOPPING

The ease of online shopping is hurting Americans’ finances, according to our Harris Poll research with NerdWallet.

• 22% have made impulse purchases that have significantly affected their finances in the past 12 months.
• 16% have spent more on impulse purchases than they put into their retirement accounts.
• 40% of young people who are feeling financially squeezed attribute it to their excessive spending on non-essentials.

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• Apple attracts Baby Boomers with cutting-edge wellness features

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

‘TIS THE SEASON TO DECK THE OUTDOORS

Holiday cheer influences where Americans want to live, based on new Harris Poll research with Opendoor.

• 20% of families with children would consider selling if their neighborhood didn’t partake in holiday decorations.
• 26% also would consider selling their home if their HOA was too strict and limited holiday decorations.
• Homeowners’ holiday pet peeve: Parking. One third would consider selling if their neighbor’s holiday guests parked all over the street and in front of their house.
• 20% would think about selling if their neighbor had too many parties during the holiday season.
• 28% of homeowners would consider selling if their neighbor blasted holiday music too loud – or too early in the season.
• See also: Generation Spend: Why Gen Z is Investing More in Holiday Joy

SOBER FOR THE SEASON

While most Americans like to drink during the holidays, the trend toward non-alcoholic beverages continues to grow, based on Harris Poll data with Instacart.

• 53% say they drink during the holidays.
• 8% opt for non-alcoholic beer or wine with dinner, like at Thanksgiving last week.
• During the last five years, orders for non-alcoholic drinks spiked 157%.

TARIFF TREPIDATION

What do Americans think about all tariffs ahead of the next inauguration? Our Harris Poll research with The Guardian shows:

• 78% feel confident they understand tariffs.
• Yet only 48% correctly know that American companies pay the tariff price.
• 47% of Republicans and 32% of Democrats incorrectly said foreign countries pay.
• 69% of Americans think tariffs on imports will lead to higher prices.
• 70% worry tariffs will affect what they can afford.
• 76% believe companies will pass along the cost of tariffs to consumers.
• 44% are planning tariff-free purchases ahead of President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
• 62% predict tariffs will force them to adjust their 2025 financial plans.

NEARLY ALL YOUNG PEOPLE USE AI AT WORK

Most Gen Z and Millennial workers already are using artificial intelligence tools in one capacity or another at work, based on our Harris Poll research with Google Workspace.

• 82% of young adults in leadership positions say they leverage AI in their work.
• 93% of Gen Z and 79% of Millennials use two or more AI tools each week.
• Most use AI to start a task that feels overwhelming, improve their writing or to take notes.
• 86% believe AI can help leaders become better managers.
• 47% say it helps enhance communication, improves problem-solving and facilitates better relationships.

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• Ray Day Assumes Role of Executive Chairman at Allison Worldwide

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

4 IN 10 PREFER PETS OVER CHILDREN

America is in a pet economy boom, driven by younger generations spending more money, time and attention than ever on their four-legged “children,” based on our Harris Poll Thought Leadership & Futures study.

• 43% of Americans would rather have pets than kids.
• 82% of pet owners see their pets as children.
• A third would trade $1,000 for more time with their pets.
• Pet owners spend $4,366 annually, and younger owners spend even more (Gen Z: $6,013; Millennials: $5,150; Gen X: $3,878; Boomers: $2,454).
• 24% of pet parents admit to being in debt due to pet expenses, jumping to 29% for Gen Z and 34% for Millennials.

TO RECLINE OR NOT RECLINE

Should airlines ban reclining seats on planes? Our Harris Poll study with La-Z-Boy suggests many Americans say “yes.”

• 41% say they support a ban on passengers reclining seats on domestic flights.
• Slightly more women (42%) support a ban versus men (40%).
• Younger fliers dislike reclining (42% for ages 18-34) more than older fliers (38% for ages 35-44 and 35% for ages 55-64).

NO TIPS WHEN STANDING?

More than 3 in 5 Americans won’t tip if they order standing up, based on our Harris Poll study with Paylocity.

• 62% say they will not give a tip if they placed an order while standing – highest among Boomers (66%) and lowest among Gen Z (57%).
• Overall, 65% of Americans say they’re annoyed with how frequently they’re asked to tip.
• Most annoyed are Gen X (70%) and Boomers (68%), compared with Gen Z (56%).

RECYCLING NEEDS A RESET

Several barriers are preventing Americans from recycling more, based on our Haris Poll research with Keep America Beautiful.

• 33% of Americans are confused about what can and cannot be recycled (42% for Gen Z and Millennials).
• 41% throw items in the trash to avoid making recycling mistakes.
• 21% say recycling has caused arguments at home, especially among younger generations (37% for Gen Z and 32% for Millennials).
• 63% rate America’s recycling system a ‘C’ or lower, and 22% give it a ‘D’ or ‘F.’

ICYMI:

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

AMERICANS STILL BELIEVE IN NEWS

While trust in the news media continues to decline, Americans still believe in the importance of the news media for a healthy democracy, according to a new poll by HarrisX as part of Stagwell’s Future of News initiative.

• 25% of Americans and 25% of British consumers label themselves as “news junkies.”
• American news junkies read an average of 7 news articles a day and check the news 5.6 times a day.
• British news junkies read an average of 4.8 news articles a day and check the news 4 times a day.
• News junkies are primarily Gen X (64%, versus 58% of the general population) and college graduates (51%, versus 38% of the general population).
• 56% of adults say it’s important for younger generations to watch the news more than they currently do.
• Americans follow general news the most (78%), followed by political news (71%), economic news (63%), international news/global affairs (63%) and healthcare news (59%). 
• 71% say companies should advertise on news media: (78% for news junkies), and 66% have a more positive impression of companies that advertise on news (74% for news junkies).
• Local TV news is rated the most trusted news media source (73%), followed by broadcast TV (67%), local newspapers (66%), radio (65%), national newspapers (64%), cable news (59%), magazines (58%), online publications (55%), podcasts (52%) and social media (41%). 
• When asked about trust in news, 42% say it’s declining, 43% see no improvement, and 15% say it’s improving. 
• The top issues undermining trust in news are misinformation/fake news (57%), poor separation between news and opinion content (46%) and sensationalism and bias (44%).

TWO THIRDS SAY NO ONE CARES ABOUT THEIR HEALTHCARE

Americans want a better healthcare system that works for more people, and providers, payers and patients need better communication, coordination and incentives to get there. This is based on new Harris Poll research presented at the Milken Institute’s Future of Health Summit.

• 66% of Americans say they have to be responsible for their health because no one else seems to care.
• 52% say following social media health and wellness trends is more accessible than trying to connect with medical professionals.
• 55% of patients of color report receiving poor quality care within the last year (up 11 points from a year ago), and 52% have needed a second opinion after their concerns were dismissed by their original healthcare provider (up 7 points from a year ago).
• A 47-point gap exists between Black and White Americans on the statement: “My race determines the quality of care I receive.”
• 86% of Americans are ready to work with their doctors and health professionals to create change, yet 57% worry there won’t be systemic change for many years.

WOMEN UNPREPARED FOR RETIREMENT

Women remain at greater risk than men for failing to achieve a financially secure retirement, based on new Harris Poll research with the Transamerica Institute.

• Women workers dream of an active and fulfilling retirement, including travel (70%), spending more time with family and friends (60%) and pursuing hobbies (49%).
• Yet only 16% are “very confident” that they could fully retire with a comfortable lifestyle.
• Women have a median of $44,000 in total household retirement savings, with Boomer women saving more ($98,000, versus Gen X at $61,000, Millennials at $37,000 and Gen Z at 21%.
• Only 29% of women currently use a professional financial advisor, and fewer (17%) report frequently discussing saving, investing and retirement planning with friends and family.

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

PARENTS GIVE AI FAILING GRADE

Parents are not fans of students using AI to complete their homework, based on the Harris Poll’s latest report on the tech industry.

• Only a third (36%) of adults think the use of generative AI tools for schoolwork has a positive impact on children’s learning experience (grades K-12).
• 79% say children are more likely than adults to struggle to identify misinformation created by generative AI tools.
• Regarding technology overall, only 39% of U.S. adults trust businesses to be responsible with handling their personal information.
• 28% have a worse opinion of an organization if it is involved in a data security event.
• 29% avoid working with organizations that have been involved in a known data security event.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES DIVIDE US

U.S. drivers are still split on whether they’re ready to take a ride in an autonomous vehicle, according to the Harris Poll’s annual AutoTECHCAST report, which collects and analyzes consumer insights on advanced automotive technologies and features.

• 51% of Americans would trust an autonomous vehicle (AV) today, and the same number would be willing to buy one.
• AV trust is highest among Gen Z and young Millennials (70%) and lowest among Boomers (30%).
• While only 6% have experienced fully autonomous vehicles, 79% said they were somewhat or much more comfortable with an AV after trying one.
• 34% have used driver assistance features, and 24% have driven partially autonomous vehicles.
• Looking at other new auto technology, 48% of Gen Z and young Millennials believe alcohol detection systems should be mandatory in vehicles (compared with 32% of Gen X and 20% of Boomers).
• Most highly demanded new auto tech: surround-car cameras (desired by 55.7%), low-speed collision avoidance (55.4%) and wireless mobile charging (54.3%).
• Still not in high demand: electric vehicles (desired by 31.9%, down from 33.6% a year ago), fuel cell vehicles (27.9%, down from 30.3%) and in-car payment systems (27.7%, down from 29.9%).

TOO MANY ADS

Consumers have reached the tipping point on advertisements that interrupt viewing and streaming – especially ads with the same message, according to our Harris Poll research with AD-ID.

• 49% have skipped a purchase from a brand due to repetitive ads during their viewing.
• 61% say they are less likely to buy products when inundated with advertisements.
• 59% say repeatedly seeing the same ads hurts their viewing experience.
• 3 in 4 consumers say they would like to see ads targeted at their interests.
• 33% don’t mind watching relevant ads.

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

LYING ABOUT VOTING

Half of Gen Z and nearly one in four U.S. voters overall have lied to people close to them about whom they’re voting for, according to our Harris Poll survey with Axios.

• 48% of Gen Z admit they have lied to someone close to them about whom they’ve voted for. That compares with 38% of Millennials, 17% of Gen X and 6% of Boomers.
• Overall, 23% admit to lying about their voting choice, and 22% say they potentially would lie.
• Men (30%) are twice as likely to lie about their vote than women (17%).
• 27% of Democrats acknowledge lying about voting, as do 24% of Republicans and 20% of independents.
• 58% of all voters say voting is a private matter.
• Being private – or even lying – helps preserve relationships: 33% of Americans say they are disenfranchised from some family members over politics. That rises to 44% for Gen Z and 47% for Millennials.

CEOs SAY ELECTION WILL CHANGE 2025 BUSINESS PLANS

4 in 5 CEOs expect the result of the U.S. elections will change their 2025 business strategy. Stagwell’s new “Priorities and Perspectives of the Global CEO” survey finds:

• 29% of CEOs expect a significant impact of the election on their business strategy, and 48% expect a moderate impact.
• 14% expect minor and 5% no impact.
• The biggest expected business strategy impacts include: immigration policy (31%), global trade (31%) and economic stability (27%).
• Global CEOs – all CEOs except those based in the U.S. – are split on which presidential candidate will better boost the global economy. Of global business leaders, 35% believe Vice President Harris and 30% believe former President Trump will be better for the economy.
• U.S. CEOs, however, strongly favor Trump (52%) to boost the global economy over Harris (15%).
• 35% of CEOs worldwide identify inflation as the most critical economic issue facing their countries, followed by consumer confidence (30%) and energy prices (25%).
• When it comes to global societal issues that businesses must help address, top needs are mental health (56%), financial stability (44%) and physical health (43%).

UNHAPPIER AMERICA

Americans are far less happy today than they were 16 years ago, when the Harris Poll first began analyzing public sentiment about interpersonal relationships, spirituality, health and work, according to our 2024 Happiness Index.

• Today, the Happiness Index stands at 31 overall, compared with 35 in 2008.
• The index is at 30 for men and 31 for women, compared with 33 for men and 36 for women in 2008.
• Least happy on the index are Gen Z members (at 27 today), followed by Millennials (28), Gen X (28) and Boomers (37).
• Dragging them down are relationships with family members (86% strongly or somewhat agree today versus 92% in 2008); relationships with friends (88% today versus 93% in 2008); spiritual beliefs as positive guiding forces (74% today versus 77% in 2008); and “I rarely worry about my health” (46% today versus 49% in 2008).

WHAT WE WANT IN FAST FOOD

Half of Americans (52%) order from quick-service restaurants at least once a week, and they would do so more with lower prices, discounts and larger portions, according to our latest Harris Poll research on the QSR industry.

• Frequent QSR diners – those ordering at least once per week – are primarily between the ages of 18 and 34 (65%), people of color (59% versus 48% for White Americans) and men (58%, versus 48% of women).
• The appeal of quick-service restaurants: it’s a treat for themselves or someone else (46%) or convenience and saving money (45%).
• QSR owners and operators looking to increase in-restaurant traffic should invest in cleanliness (cited as most important by 69%), service quality (63%) and speed (56%).

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

ECONOMY + ELECTION = TOO MUCH STRESS

The future, the economy and the presidential election are creating even more stress for Americans. That’s according to the newest edition of the Harris Poll’s “Stress in America” study with the American Psychological Association.

• 77% of adults say the future of the nation is a significant source of stress, along with the economy (73%) and the presidential election (69%).
• Other stressors: U.S. politics (62%); health care (55%); violence and crime (54%); the environment (51%); global tension/conflict (51%); and gun laws and regulations (49%).
• When asked to rate stress about specific news, topics and events, housing costs (65%), mass shootings (63%), spread of false news (62%) and social divisiveness (60%) are highest.
• 41% have a hard time having a civil conversation today about politics with people who have different values.
• 61% are hopeful about change this election and that it will lead to a more inclusive society (59%).

CLIMATE CHANGE STRESSING OUT YOUNG PEOPLE

Another source of stress – especially for young Americans – is climate change, based on our Harris Poll research.

• 58% of Gen Z and 56% of Millennials say wildfires, hurricanes and other extreme weather have negatively affected their mental health in the past year (versus Boomers at 47%).
• 20% of Gen Z and 15% of Millennials say these events had a significant negative impact on their mental health (versus Boomers at 9%).
• Gen Z (65%) and Millennials (63%) also are more likely than Boomers (54%) to say mass shootings have negatively affected their mental health.
• Among those who need mental health support and do not seek it, 41% say it is because it is too expensive or their health care provider did not take them seriously (20%).

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SPEND MORE

Americans will spend $17 billion more on gifts and $46 billion more on travel this holiday season – despite being under financial pressure, based on our Harris Poll survey with NerdWallet.

• Holiday shoppers will spend $925 on average this season. Parents are the biggest spenders –averaging $1,070, versus $860 for non-parents.
• 28% of shoppers still have not paid off balances from last year.
• 28% of 2023 holiday travelers who put flights and hotel stays on a credit card still have not paid off the balances.
• This year’s holiday shoppers plan to shop the sales: 39% on Black Friday and 36% on Cyber Monday.
• 15% completed the majority of holiday shopping during the mid-summer and fall sales.
• Due to financial pressures, 28% will spend less per person on gifts this year, and 27% will purchase gifts for fewer people.
• 22% have discussed limiting holiday gift spending this year with friends and family.
• 11% plan to regift for the first time, and 12% will purchase secondhand gifts.
• 55% say that the costs associated with holiday shopping is a major source of stress.
• 40% feel pressure to spend more money on holiday gifts than they’re comfortable spending.
• 10% will likely need to dip into their emergency savings to buy holiday gifts.
• As for travel, 42% will keep their usual holiday travel plans this year regardless of expense.
• 28% say traveling during the holidays is more important than the giving and receiving of gifts.
• See also: It’s October. Are you already behind on holiday shopping?

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By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

MOOD IN U.S. REMAINS STEADY

Americans’ views of how things are going remained steady last month, according to our poll with the Center for American Political Studies at Harvard University.

• 31% of Americans say the country is on the right track (compared with 30% a month ago), and 32% say the economy is on the right track (compared with 30% last month).
• 47% say their personal financial situation is becoming worse (compared with 48% a month ago), while 28% say it is improving (compared with 26% a month ago).
• 81% of registered voters say they will definitely vote in the election (Democrat: 85%; Republican: 84%; Independent: 72%).
• 14% of voters say they are still weighing their candidate choices, including 25% of Independents.
• Vice President Harris holds a 1.7-point lead among likely voters. Yet, in battleground states, former President Trump has a 2-point lead among both likely and registered voters.
• Voters believe Trump would do a better job on specific foreign policy issues like the Ukraine/Russia war (+9 over Harris), standing up to China (+13) and the Israel/Hamas war (+10), while 51% of voters believe Harris is better equipped to be commander-in-chief over Trump.
• Inflation and immigration remain the top two national issues for voters, with 46% saying inflation is most important personally (Democrat: 39%; Republican: 52%; Independent: 47%).
• See also: I ‘don’t recall any presidential race where we’ve seen these polls this close’: Stagwell’s Mark Penn

BEST REPUTATIONS IN CANADA

Hockey dominates in Canada – yet it’s the Professional Women’s Hockey League that is at the top of Harris Poll’s inaugural ranking of the 50 most reputable companies and organizations in the country.

• The PWHL is No. 1 – above traditional powerhouses like the NHL (35^th) – followed by Toyota, Samsung, Costco, Canadian Tire, Apple, Microsoft, Manulife, Sun Life and Nike in the top 10.
• Companies in sectors heavily reliant on pricing transparency – such as grocery (Loblaws), airlines (WestJet) and telecom (Bell) – see their reputations suffering.
• Unlike American banks, Canadian banks enjoy strong public confidence. All of Canada’s “Big Five” banks ranked in the top 25, with Scotiabank leading at 13th.
• In contrast, U.S. banks like Wells Fargo and Bank of America placed much lower in the American edition of the study, Axios Harris Poll 100, highlighting a significant cross-border difference in banking trust.

U.S. UNDERPERFORMS ON INFANT MORTALITY

The U.S. – one of the most developed nations in the world – is not among those with the lowest rates of infant deaths, and less than a third of Americans know about the crisis. These are among the findings of the Harris Poll’s second annual State of Maternal Health Report.

• Similar to last year, only about 1 in 4 Americans (29%) correctly state that the U.S. does not have one of the lowest rates of infant mortality among developed countries.
• 40% know that the U.S. has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality among developed countries.
• Only half of Americans (50%) and just 57% of Black Americans know that Black women are nearly three times as likely as white women to die due to pregnancy-related causes.
• 83% believe more needs to be done to make giving birth in the U.S. safer for mothers.
• 67% of women believe the current political environment has made pregnancy and childbirth more dangerous for women.
• 40% of Americans incorrectly believe that the United States has federal paid maternity leave.
• 39% of women who are currently pregnant or have ever been pregnant say they have experienced barriers to accessing the health care they needed during pregnancy and childbirth.
• The top barrier is the inability to take time off work or find childcare to be able to attend appointments (18%) followed by insurance-related issues (16%, up from 12% in 2023).

ICYMI:

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• PRophet, a Stagwell Company, Releases New InfluencerMarketing.ai Products that Enhance Brand Safety and Performance Measurement
• PRSA Announces 2025 ICON Location – with Stagwell’s Ray Day as 2025 Chair

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

ECONOMIC PESSIMISM CONTINUES

Americans are still down about the economy – negativity that has persisted since our Harris Poll study with the Guardian first asked about the economy last September.

• When asked how they think about the U.S. economy today compared with the start of the summer, 35% said they were more pessimistic (versus 29% more optimistic and 36% feeling the same).
• 73% do not feel any positive effects of the positive economic news being reported.
• 61% believe inflation is increasing (it is falling).
• 49% believe the U.S. economy is in a recession (it’s not).

HOW SMART IS YOUR SMART DEVICE?

With devices like the iPhone 16, companies are racing to integrate AI features and set a new standard for mobile technology. Yet one in three smartphone users have key worries about AI, based on Stagwell’s National Research Group’s new “Are smart devices getting smarter?” study.

• 24% of smartphone users are already regularly using AI features.
• 69% anticipate nearly all smartphones will have integrated AI features within five years.
• Consumers’ top desires for AI are searching for information, translations and learning new skills.
• Employees’ top desires for AI are learning new skills, enhancing productivity and searching for information.
• When it comes to marketing AI-powered smart phones, 51% of men would be more likely to purchase a smartphone described as “built for AI.”
• Only 28% of women, however, would be more interested in buying a phone that was “built for AI” – the same number who would be turned off by such marketing.
• 30% of smartphone users worry about AI making decisions without their consent.
• 75% of users believe apps should disclose when they use AI.
• Consumers’ top concerns about AI in mobile apps: too much AI-generated content on social media (31%); AI might make decisions without consent (30%); harder to protect personal data and privacy (30%); easier for people to spread misinformation online (28%); and apps will be misused by scammers and cybercriminals (27%).

58% DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START ON CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Career development is critical to retain and attract talent, according to our Harris Poll research with Bright Horizons.

• 74% of employees want to develop new skills or pursue additional education.
• Yet 58% do not know where to start.
• 26% feel more pressure to learn new workplace skills due to AI.
• 30% worry that AI will replace their job.
• 52% of workers believe it’s their employer’s responsibility to guide them.

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• Shining a light on shadow AI
• Being Brand Brave in a World of Bots, Trolls and Toxic Conversation
• Case Study: “My Spotify” reminds users of the platform’s incredible level of personalization
• New Survey Shows Half of US Voters Believe Crypto an Important Election Issue
• Synthetic beauty: The new muse, driven by machines