Reasons to Read

The Coresight Research monthly China Consumer Survey Insights series takes a regular temperature check on Chinese consumers’ behaviors and sentiment, based on exclusive proprietary survey data.

In this research report, we present findings from our latest weekly surveys, with the most recent undertaken on August 31, 2026. We spotlight developments in consumer sentiment on the economic and financial outlooks.

Read this report to discover answers to these key questions:

• How did consumer sentiment weaken through September after August’s rebound, and why did economic and personal financial optimism fall to six-month lows despite stronger Mid-Autumn holiday spending and an extended US–China trade truce?
• How are slowing economic growth, ongoing trade developments, worsening household finances and broader economic uncertainty affecting consumer confidence and the outlook for China’s consumption recovery?
• Which consumer activities and product categories showed resilience in September as households continued to prioritize travel, experiences, value-driven purchases and selective discretionary spending despite weakening confidence?
• What do weekly and four-week rolling sentiment indicators reveal about the deterioration in consumers’ expectations for China’s economy and their personal finances, and whether September’s decline signals a broader weakening in consumer demand?
• How should retailers and brands adjust pricing, promotions, product assortments and holiday strategies as consumers prepare for the National Day Golden Week, balancing resilient occasion-driven spending against continued caution toward higher-ticket discretionary purchases?

Data in this research report includes:

• Consumers’ expectations for economic conditions and personal finances over the next 12 months, showing how optimism has evolved.
• Changes in personal financial situations compared to 12 months ago, shedding light on shifts in consumer wealth perceptions.
• Consumer activities over the past two weeks, highlighting engagement levels and emerging trends.
• Purchasing behaviors, with insights into what consumers are buying in-store and online during the survey period.

Other relevant research:

• Read the full series of China Consumer Survey Insights
• The Coresight Research China Retail Sales Databank brings together retail sales data to help you understand the trajectory of retail in China.
• Interested in more consumer survey analysis? Check out our US Consumer Survey Insights series.