Amman – The latest Ipsos Consumer Confidence Index for the second quarter of 2026, shows a modest improvement in Jordanians’ confidence in the national economy, despite ongoing regional uncertainty. However, unemployment and the rising cost of living remain the country’s most pressing economic concerns.
According to the survey, 65% of respondents believe the country is moving in the right direction, an increase of 3 percentage points compared with the first quarter of the year, while 35% believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.
Regarding the current state of Jordan’s economy, 60% of respondents described it as positive, compared with 40% who viewed it negatively.
Looking ahead, 54% expect their personal financial situation to improve over the next six months, while 30% anticipate it will worsen and 16% believe it will remain unchanged.
The overall Consumer Confidence Index increased by 0.4 percentage points quarter-on-quarter to 40.5% during the second quarter of 2026. The report noted that the improvement came despite economic uncertainty in the region resulting from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The survey also found that seven in ten respondents believe the country is moving in the right direction, while more than 58% consider the current economic situation to be strong.
According to the report, the increase reflects growing confidence among Jordanians regarding the country’s economic outlook over the coming months, particularly in terms of future economic prospects.
Unemployment and Cost of Living Remain Top Concerns
Despite the improved confidence levels, respondents identified unemployment and the high cost of living as the two greatest challenges facing Jordan’s economy.
The Ipsos Consumer Confidence Index is a quarterly nationwide survey that measures public perceptions of the current and future state of the economy, household financial conditions, and attitudes toward saving and investment.
Sub-Indices for Q2 2026
Several components of the index recorded mixed results:
* Personal financial confidence rose to 33.3%, up 2.5 percentage points from the previous quarter.
* Investment climate confidence increased by 1.2 percentage points to 34.7%.
* Confidence in the direction of the national economy fell by 4 percentage points to 49.9%.
* Job security confidence declined by 2.6 percentage points, settling at 45.1%.
Household Financial Outlook
When comparing their current financial situation with the previous quarter:
* 52% said their financial condition had weakened.
* 26% said it had improved.
* 23% said it remained unchanged.
Looking ahead to the broader economy over the next six months:
* 44% expect economic conditions to improve.
* 41% expect them to deteriorate.
* 15% believe conditions will remain the same.
Job Security and Employment
Regarding job security compared with six months ago:
* 62% said they feel less secure.
* 38% said they feel more secure.
Asked about the likelihood of losing their job within the next six months:
* 59% believe it is likely.
* 41% believe it is unlikely.
Investment and Spending Sentiment
Confidence in the investment climate also remains subdued:
* 66% said they are less confident about their ability to invest in the future.
* 34% expressed greater confidence.
As for making major purchases:
* 81% said they feel less comfortable making large purchases than they did six months ago.
* 19% said they feel more comfortable.
Top Economic Concerns
Respondents identified the country’s biggest economic challenges as:
1. Unemployment – 57%
2. Rising cost of living – 48%
3. Poverty – 37%
Al Ghad
