Ireland’s Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index declined slightly to 61.1 in July 2026 from June’s four-month high of 62.2, the first decline in three months, driven by persistent cost-of-living worries. The index remained well below the long-term survey average of 83.2 but above the 40-month low of 53.3 recorded in April due to a surge in fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. The survey showed that the subindices measuring current conditions, consumer expectations, and the economic outlook all fell slightly. "Concerns about the cost of living continue to outweigh all other economic issues," said Irish League of Credit Unions CEO David Malone. Annual inflation remained elevated at 3.4% in June, driven by rising housing, energy, and education costs, which increased pressure on household budgets.