Belizeans Preparing for Tighter Budgets

Belizeans are tightening their spending, with the latest Consumer Confidence Index released by the Statistical Institute of Belize showing that people are growing more cautious about spending and less hopeful about the economy.

For September 2025, the national confidence score slipped to 45.7, down from 46.8 in August. That means more Belizeans are feeling uncertain about their finances and the months ahead.

Fewer people believe now is a good time to make big purchases like furniture, vehicles, or appliances. The index for durable goods fell to 38.7, the lowest among all categories. Confidence about the next twelve months also slipped to 54.1, suggesting that many households are preparing for tighter budgets.

The decline was seen across most of the country, with Corozal showing the biggest drop. Only Stann Creek residents reported feeling a bit more positive. Rural communities also saw a sharper dip than towns and cities.

Younger Belizeans, however, stood out. Those between 18 and 24 years old were far more optimistic, recording a strong rise in confidence to 60.0, the highest of any age group.

Overall, the numbers suggest that rising prices and economic uncertainty are weighing on families.