Indian consumers turn cautious: economic optimism slips to 48%, gold and savings trump discretionary spend

Kantar survey shows economic optimism for 2026 falling to 48% from 60%, with 41% fearing layoffs and 61% expecting savings to stay flat or decline. 52% plan to buy gold in the next 12 months as households pull back on dining, entertainment and shopping. Travel and experiences remain resilient pockets.

— Filed Thu, 4 Jun, 2026, 19:34 IST · Source The Hindu BusinessLine · Updated

Kantar survey finds Indian consumers turning cautious amid geopolitical uncertainty, prioritising savings and gold (52% likely to buy) while pulling back on dining, entertainment and shopping. Travel and experiences remain resilient. Economic optimism dropped from 60% to 48%.