A new LIMRA study finds distressing, yet unsurprising, findings.
Just 25% of Americans have a favorable view of the economy, down from 56% in January, which marked the highest consumer sentiment about the economy since LIMRA began tracking the metric in 2008.
During the coronavirus pandemic, it notes, more than half of Americans are very or extremely concerned about the economy.
“Uncertainty about the coronavirus pandemic undercut the economic growth we have experienced over the past several years,” Alison Salka, Ph.D., senior vice president and research director for LIMRA, said in a statement. “Consumers are not only worried about their health and well-being and the health and well-being of family and friends, but they are also worried about the economic impact this will have on them now and in the future.”
LIMRA’s new study finds the coronavirus pandemic is undermining consumers’ confidence in their short-term and long-term financial security.
Forty-four percent say they are very or extremely concerned about their household’s short-term financial security and nearly half are very worried about their long-term financial security. More than 4 in 10 consumers are very worried that the coronavirus pandemic will:
- Limit their access to medical care.
- Hurt their ability to work;* and
- Damage their long-term job security.*
*Full- and part-time workers
Beyond the financial impact
Coronavirus has disrupted many Americans’ day-to-day lives to different degrees.
Thirty-nine percent report social distancing has demanded significant lifestyle changes and another 34% say they have made moderate lifestyle changes. More than a third of Americans believe they will have to practice social distancing for one to two months and more than a quarter think it will last more than two months.
“We are in a unique situation where the economic downturn is not necessarily the primary concern for consumers,” Salka said. “Our research confirms that a significant portion of the population is worried about their physical and mental health and access to medical care and basic necessities.”
Among consumers’ top personal concerns prompted by the coronavirus outbreak are:
- Family/friends in high-risk categories – 59%
- Children’s schooling/education* – 54%
- Access to medical care – 45%
- Physical health – 43%
- Access to food and other necessities – 40%
- Mental health – 35%
*Those with children under age 23
Coronavirus spurs societal concerns
While consumers are worried about their personal well-being and that of their friends and family, the study uncovered more anxiety about broader issues.
Seven in 10 consumers are worried about the economic impact of coronavirus and how long it will last, with 71% of consumers believing the U.S. economy is likely or extremely likely to enter a recession this year.
Two-thirds (66%) are concerned about whether the U.S. healthcare system is prepared for and capable of handling the influx of patients; six in 10 are worried about the federal government’s ability to manage the crisis; more than half are worried about their state/local government’s ability to manage the crisis; and half are concerned about the overall societal impact this event will have.
With more than 20 years serving financial markets, John Sullivan is the former editor-in-chief of Investment Advisor magazine and retirement editor of ThinkAdvisor.com. Sullivan is also the former editor of Boomer Market Advisor and Bank Advisor magazines, and has a background in the insurance and investment industries in addition to his journalism roots.
