Who's spending and who's saving?

Once we've covered our essential living expenses, how do we spend the money left over? Whether we stash our spare cash for retirement, invest it to try and make more, or purchase new products, strategies differ around the world.

In the fourth quarter of 2015, saving and investing intention levels were highest in Asia-Pacific (61 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively), as was spending on holidays/vacations (44 per cent), new clothes (41 per cent), new technology (34 per cent) and out-of-home entertainment (34 per cent). Some spending/saving strategies took on greater importance in certain regions, according to the Nielsen Global Survey of Consumer Confidence & Spending Intentions, Q4, 2015. Plans to save for retirement were highest in Asia-Pacific and North America at 16 per cent each.

Twenty three per cent of Middle East/Africa respondents said they had no spare cash in the fourth quarter - the highest level regionally, followed by 18 per cent in Europe, 17 per cent in Latin America, 11 per cent in North America and five per cent in Asia-Pacific.