A recent CBOS survey reveals increased financial caution among Poles, with 48% reducing spending on basic needs in December (up from 41% in October). While 13% borrowed money to cover essentials, 50% managed to save (up 5 points), possibly due to upcoming holidays. Larger purchases and investments decreased slightly, while spontaneous purchases rose to 21%. Inflation grew by 4.6% y/y in November, influenced by a high base effect from fuel price spikes in 2023.
Expectations for income remained stable, but optimism about future finances dropped from 38% to 30%. Consumer optimism (WNK index) averaged 3.6, with higher values among younger, well-educated, wealthier respondents. Men were slightly more optimistic than women. The survey was conducted in early December on 1,000 Polish adults.