A NEW CONSUMER mood tracker by Red C has found that people are more positive about the country’s financial situation, though their own finances have not improved much.

The poll found 55% of consumers believe the economy will improve in the next six months. However the study also found they continue to struggle financially and many do not feel any personal benefits from the economic recovery. Just two in five claim that the recovery has impacted them personally.

As the above graphic shows, 32% of people are struggling to make ends meet. Women are slightly more affected by this and those aged between 45 and 54 are most likely to have financial difficulties. The Red C poll also found that 38% of people in lower social grades are struggling, compared to 25% in higher social classes.

• Read the report in full

Unsurprisingly, people living in Connaught and Ulster, where the largest proportion are struggling, are also less positive about the future than the rest of the country.

One interesting development is that expectations about the housing market have dampened, mainly due to high prices in Dublin and new mortgage rules. The majority of people still expect improvements but expectations have become more negative since June.

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