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Economic optimism

−11 from 2025

In 2026, 41% were optimistic about Australia’s economic performance over the next five years.

Question Economic optimism

Thinking about Australia’s economic performance in the world. Overall, how optimistic are you about Australia’s economic performance in the world over the next five years?

  1. 0%
  2. 20%
  3. 40%
  4. 60%
  5. 80%
  6. 100%
2005
14
53
67
2007
19
52
71
2008
11
65
76
2009
16
70
86
2010
19
67
86
2012
12
61
73
2013
14
62
76
2015
9
54
63
2016
9
61
70
2017
9
65
74
2019
5
60
65
2020
3
49
52
2021
10
69
79
2022
5
57
62
2023
3
59
62
2024
4
54
58
2025
[object Object]
50
52
2026
[object Object]
39
41

A neutral option was offered to respondents in 2005 and 2007.
Indicates change in mode.

  • Very optimistic
  • Optimistic
Total
All groups

2026 observation

Six in ten Australians (59%) say they are pessimistic about Australia’s economic performance over the next five years, a 12-point increase from the 2025 Poll and a 22-point increase since the 2022 Poll. This is the highest recorded result on this question in the history of the Lowy Institute Poll — 11 points above the rate of economic pessimism registered during the Covid pandemic in 2020, and 46 points above that recorded after the Global Financial Crisis in 2009.

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