Portuguese are Europe’s most negatively affected by economic news – study

Portuguese consumers are more likely than any other Europeans to feel anxious when following news about the economy, according to a new international study that also found Portugal leads the continent in delaying major purchases due to concerns about the future.

The latest European Consumer Payment Report (ECPR) found that 47% of Portuguese respondents feel anxious when following economic news, well above the European average of 29%.

The figure was the highest among the 20 countries surveyed and more than three times the level recorded in the Netherlands, where just 15% of consumers reported a similar emotional impact.

The study – carried out by Intrum, a European credit management company – also found that Portugal leads Europe when it comes to delaying major purchases because of concerns about the future.

Some 68% of respondents said they hesitate before making significant purchases such as a home or car due to economic uncertainty, ahead of Italy (66%) and Greece (61%).

The trend is particularly pronounced among younger adults. Almost eight in 10 members of Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) said they were postponing major purchases, while the figure rose to 77% among respondents in the Alentejo.

Women were found to be slightly more affected by economic news than men, with 53% reporting anxiety compared with 41% of male respondents.

By region, the highest levels of anxiety were recorded in the Alentejo, where 56% of respondents said economic news negatively affected them, while the Centre region reported the lowest level at 43%.

The report also points to the lasting effects of the cost-of-living crisis.

Nearly two-thirds of Portuguese consumers (62%) said rising prices over recent years had caused a permanent deterioration in their financial wellbeing, significantly above the European average of 43%.

The most affected groups were Generation Z (69%) and Generation X (68%), while the highest regional figures were recorded in the Alentejo, Azores and Madeira, all at 67%.

Despite these concerns, many households are attempting to strengthen their financial resilience. Six in 10 Portuguese respondents said they regularly set aside money to build an emergency fund, in line with the European average.

According to Luís Salvaterra, managing director of Intrum Portugal, the findings highlight the growing connection between financial pressures and mental wellbeing.

“The constant exposure to negative economic forecasts and the fear of not being able to meet basic expenses creates real emotional strain,” he said.

“This new form of financial anxiety is shaping behaviour, delaying important decisions and affecting the psychological wellbeing of families,” Salvaterra added, calling for solutions that “combine economic stability with greater financial literacy and practical support for managing family budgets.”

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.