COVID-19 impacting consumer finances similarly around the world with millennials facing the greatest challenge
New TransUnion research assesses pandemic’s impact on consumer finances in seven global markets.
CHICAGO, IL (April 30, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic is causing similar financial hardship for consumers around the world, but new research indicates that Millennials (those persons between the ages 26-40) are being challenged the most. A just-released TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) global report including seven regions on five continents found that three in four Millennials (76%) worldwide indicated their household incomes have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. This compares to 64% for all other generations.
In the weeks since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) a pandemic on March 11, TransUnion has polled thousands of consumers in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, South Africa and the U.K. to determine the impact of the pandemic on their finances. Research for the global report was conducted in mid-April and observed how COVID-19 has impacted millions of global consumers differently based on employer size, generational differences, government interventions and income dynamics.
“COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented financial challenges to people and businesses around the globe,” said Chris Cartwright, CEO of TransUnion. “A thorough and fact-based understanding of these impacts and how best to respond to them is second only to our health and safety in terms of society’s successful recovery from this global pandemic.”
A clear outcome from the research is that many consumers are worried about their finances, but the Millennial generation is under the most stress. In the seven regions featured in the study, 22% of Millennials with household incomes negatively impacted have lost their job due to COVID-19 compared to 16% for all other generations. Just under half (45%) of Millennials with incomes negatively impacted have seen their work hours reduced compared to 35% for the rest of the group. Impacts observed globally are similar in the U.S.
Millennials Facing Greatest Challenge from COVID-19 Pandemic
*World composite includes U.S., Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, South Africa and U.K.
This pressure is compounded by the fact that 61% of Millennials said they have dependent children living at home – a much greater rate than the 39% noted for other generations. In the U.S., 58% of Millennials in the survey have dependent children living at home compared to 36% for other generations.
Millennials who have seen their household incomes negatively impacted also are having more pronounced problems with certain debt obligations. For instance, 63% with negatively impacted incomes report they will not be able to make their rent or mortgage payment compared to 54% for other generations. In the U.S., 61% of impacted Millennials are unable to pay for shelter compared to 57% for other generations.
“Millennials are the first generation to be fully immersed in mass-market digitalization and are savvy at securing credit,” said Charlie Wise, head of global research and consulting at TransUnion. “While Gen Z can say the same, the big difference is that many Millennials are more settled in their careers and are beginning to approach the peak earning period of their lives.”
Where do we go from here?
While the global report makes it clear that consumers are struggling financially, the research suggests that they are coping relatively well. For instance, five in six (85%) global respondents said they have a plan to deal with their financial gap regardless of generation. In the U.S., 87% said they have a plan.
“The big question most everyone is asking is how long the pandemic will last and what will be the impact on the global economy. No crystal ball exists. And people living today have never faced a similar global pandemic with such a far-reaching impact,” said Wise. “The good news is the research demonstrates that people are resilient, and most have figured out a plan for how they will manage their finances until economies re-open and employment opportunities return.”
Additional details about the report as well as resources for consumers looking to minimize the potential negative impact of the pandemic on their credit can be found on TransUnion’s COVID-19 website. Businesses interested in learning how to navigate the impacts of COVID-19 can gain insights from TransUnion webinars, blogs and more here.
About TransUnion
TransUnion is a global information and insights company with over 13,000 associates operating in more than 30 countries. We make trust possible by ensuring each person is reliably represented in the marketplace. We do this with a Tru™ picture of each person: an actionable view of consumers, stewarded with care. Through our acquisitions and technology investments we have developed innovative solutions that extend beyond our strong foundation in core credit into areas such as marketing, fraud, risk and advanced analytics. As a result, consumers and businesses can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good® — and it leads to economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for millions of people around the world.
About the Global Report
TransUnion surveyed 9,215 consumers in the U.S., Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, India, South Africa and the U.K during the week of April 13 In addition to generational information, the global report provides insight on the impact of the financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on other key factors such as employer size, income dynamics and government interventions. This report is part of TransUnion’s effort to make trust possible between businesses and consumers by providing information and insights so that people can transact confidently.
