Strategic purchasing dominates global consumer habits in 2024

Lower inflation drives quality-focused purchases and financial comfort.  

Consumers in Asia Pacific are prioritising savings and strategic purchases over impulse buying. According to Euromonitor International’s Top Global Consumer Trends 2025, only 18% of consumers in the region reported making frequent impulse purchases this year, signaling a shift toward intentional spending.  

David Zhang, Insight Manager at Euromonitor International, attributed this shift to changing consumer expectations fueled by easing inflation and prolonged economic stability. “Inflation rates have actually reduced from 3% in 2023 to 2% in 2024, and it’s projected to stay below 2.7% by 2029,” Zhang said.  

This economic environment has also changed consumer behaviors. Bargain hunting is on the decline, with only 37% of consumers seeking deals in 2024 compared to 46% in 2020. Zhang noted that while past trends were defined by “value hackers” looking for short-term savings, the focus has shifted to products that offer “both quality and long-lasting benefits.”  

The shift has significant implications for businesses. Zhang emphasized the growing importance of “affordable premiumization,” where companies balance cost efficiency with premium offerings.

More than half of consumers in Asia Pacific are now willing to pay for products and services that save time. This is driving two key trends in the services industry: partnerships between financial institutions and online comparison platforms, and the rapid expansion of fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.  

Zhang highlighted the role of platforms like SingSaver, which simplifies financial decision-making for consumers. “It provides expert reviews and user comparisons for financial products, helping new beginners choose products suited to their lifestyle or life goals,” he said.

Asia Pacific also leads globally in financial comfort, with 34% of consumers expressing confidence in financial institutions, 2% above the global average. Regular savings habits are particularly strong in the region, with four in 10 individuals in Hong Kong, Singapore, and China saving consistently, compared to just two in 10 in Spain and three in 10 in the United States.