Consumers choose savings over holiday splurge

Even with the recent lows in consumer price hikes, inflation remains the primary concern of Filipinos, as half of households are seen scaling back on their spending during the holiday season.

- BY DERCO ROSAL

According to a consumer pulse survey by TransUnion, a global information and insights company, 50 percent of Filipinos "expect to spend less on holiday shopping compared to last year, showing more deliberate spending even during traditionally high-consumption periods."

This is the expected behavior of consumers, as nearly half of the country's households have already scaled back discretionary activities such as dining out and travel in the fourth quarter of 2025.

One in four households cut back on digital services, while another quarter dropped subscriptions or memberships altogether.

TransUnion said this comes against the backdrop of inflation for basic goods topping (81 percent) the consumers' concerns during the quarter.

Job stability and borrowing costs also emerged as major concerns for consumers, which TransUnion noted are the same priorities consumers have held since last year.