The Ipsos What Worries the World global advisor survey has happy tidings for India – India has emerged the 2nd most optimistic market, with at least 7 in 10 urban Indians (72 per cent) believing their country is moving in the right direction, displaying a 7 per cent surge in optimism over last month. In comparison, only 39 per cent global citizens believe their country is headed in the right direction.
Singapore (81 per cent) emerged the most optimistic market, while Peru (16 per cent) was at the bottom of the heap in optimism levels.
South East Asia including India and Latin America were the most optimistic markets in October, signaling stability from macro conditions.
Conducted monthly in 29 countries among 20,000 adults for over a decade, the Ipsos What Worries the World study offers an exceptional snapshot of world opinion on pressing global issues - what the public thinks are the most important social and political issues, drawing on more than ten years of data to place the latest scores in context.
Local worries
Worry around inflation (47 per cent) and unemployment (44 per cent) has seen a double digit surge of +17 per cent and +14 per cent respectively for urban Indians. Crop damage during monsoon has affected food prices and there is an increase in cost of living due to the wars, global economic slowdown. Though there is optimism and economic resilience seen among urban Indians.
"India is ranked 2nd in optimism with majority of urban Indians believing that India is well placed in surmounting tough global factors. The demographic dividend is keeping the local economy and growth steady due to the spur in domestic consumption and the festival season, when consumers splurge. Also the monsoons have been above normal. Though worry around inflation and unemployment have shown a double digit increase, which is extremely distressing. This will need some steps and reprieve from the government as cost of living is back as a major concern. Even job opportunities need a major thrust and planning. Some job cuts have been triggered by global factors and cost cutting by the corporates, to improve their bottomlines," stated Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India.
World worries
Global citizens were seen to be most worried about inflation (32 per cent), crime and violence (31 per cent) and poverty and social inequality (28 per cent).
Confidence around the state of the economy was a dismal 38 per cent among global citizens. Even around how global markets are doing. Pessimism was seen to be rife.
