Broad Trend: Good Populism | Industry Trend: Economic Populism A new political debate is emerging around economic justice, affordability and social inclusion. Following major Democratic gains in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, attention is turning toward a form of populism that challenges economic inequality and concentrated wealth rather than blaming immigrants or marginalized groups. In Europe, where rising living costs, economic uncertainty and political dissatisfaction c

Financial pressure is no longer automatically translating into spending restraint. Across America, consumers are watching savings shrink, household debt rise and everyday costs absorb more of their income, yet spending remains remarkably resilient. Behind that contradiction is an emerging Living for Today mindset: when future financial security feels increasingly difficult to achieve, consumers are finding new ways to protect today's lifestyle — even when that means using sav