Cost of living remains top global concern for fifth consecutive year
Survey of over 61,000 adults across 32 countries shows financial pressures dominating household priorities worldwide.
At a glance
- Cost of living has topped global concerns for five consecutive years according to the FII PRIORITY Compass survey
- Survey included 61,200 adults across 32 countries
- 47 percent in Global South optimistic about direction, versus 15 percent in Global North
- 60 percent report AI has improved their lives, with calls for regulation
The fifth edition of the FII PRIORITY Compass has identified cost of living as the leading concern globally for the fifth year running, followed by poverty, inequality and unemployment. The survey captured responses from 61,200 adults across 32 countries and examined economic pressures, technology expectations and public trust.
The findings reveal a significant divide between regions. In the Global South, 47 percent of respondents believe the world is moving in the right direction, compared with only 15 percent in the Global North. On artificial intelligence, 60 percent of respondents said AI has improved their lives, though there are widespread calls for regulation of the technology.
Why it matters
The survey provides insight into public priorities and concerns that could guide investment and policy decisions affecting billions of people worldwide.
Original reporting
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
