The economic climate is affecting people’s decisions and their emotional response to risk, new research by the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) has indicated.

Over three in four (78%) respondents to a consumer survey stated that the current economic climate had made an impact on them emotionally when it came to making financial decisions, with over half (51%) stating this was a “big impact”.

The AMI, which surveyed 3,000 consumers in August for its findings, also found clear contrasts across different groups in society, by age, housing situation and family status. Younger people indicated they were feeling the strain most, with 82% of Gen Z and 85% of Millennials reporting an emotional toll.

According to the findings, 83% of mortgage holders said they were feeling affected by the economic climate, with 54% citing a “big impact”.

The mortgage intermediary trade body was publishing its findings ahead of releasing its 2025 Protection Viewpoint Report on 5 November, which AMI chief executive, Stephanie Charman, said was about “turning insight into action”.

“These initial findings from our 2025 study show clearly that age and life stage play a huge role in how people navigate economic uncertainty, and that both emotional and practical factors shape their financial decisions,” Charman commented.

“This reinforces the critical importance of the role of protection and delivering advice that really meets people where they are, helping them feel confident about the future.”

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