---
title: "World events cause growing concerns"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/63fb1ae6-2bf8-437e-8136-5387447c369e
source: "Franchising.com"
original_url: https://www.franchising.com/articles/world_events_cause_growing_concerns.html
author: "M. Scott Morris"
category: "Regulation"
topics: ["Regulation & legal"]
published: 2023-10-30T09:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T20:03:57.316Z
image: https://imgs.franchising.com/art/articles/8056_plate.jpg
---

# World events cause growing concerns

**TL;DR:** Numerator's Consumer Sentiment Study found that world events, such as the war in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, are increasing concerns for consumers, with 20% of respondents listing them as a primary concern. The study also found that 60% of consumers have a high level of concern regarding the economy.

*By M. Scott Morris, originally published in Franchising.com on 2023-10-30. [Read the original](https://www.franchising.com/articles/world_events_cause_growing_concerns.html).*

## Story

The war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and other world events have become increasing concerns for consumers, according to Numerator’s most recent Consumer Sentiment Study. World events was listed as a primary concern for 20% of respondents, an increase of 7% since September. Other results include 60% of consumers have a high level of concern regarding the economy, increasing slightly from September.

37% of consumers say that personal finances are their primary concern. 66% feel as though the country is in an economic recession, and 68% think the U.S.

economy will worsen in the next few months. In addition, 75% think inflation will increase in the next few months. 75% cited rising prices on essential goods and services as their main economic concern, followed by rising prices on gas/fuel (67%, a 3-point drop since September).

72% are uncomfortable splurging on premium or luxury items, 71% are uncomfortable taking money out of savings or retirement accounts, and 57% are uncomfortable spending money on nonessential travel or vacations. In response to inflation and rising prices, consumers plan to cut spending on dining out (44%) and travel (37%). 26% do not expect to cut back on spending.

Covid-19 concerns jumped in September and increased by another percentage point in October, with 25% of consumers reporting a high level of concern compared to 15% in August.

## Entities

- Franchising.com (publication)
- General (sector)
- United States (location)
- M. Scott Morris (person)
- inflation (topic)
- Numerator (company)
- Ukraine (location)
- Israel (location)
- consumer sentiment (topic)
- economic concerns (topic)
- spending habits (topic)
- Palestine (location)

---
Originally reported by M. Scott Morris, Franchising.com (https://www.franchising.com/articles/world_events_cause_growing_concerns.html). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/63fb1ae6-2bf8-437e-8136-5387447c369e).