Consumi, intenzioni d’acquisto di beni durevoli ai minimi dell’anno

Italian consumers' intentions for major purchases are at their lowest point in the past year, dropping 4.4% in October compared to September 2026, according to the monthly Findomestic Observatory. Only 23% of respondents consider this an opportune time for significant purchases. Following the summer, families who had managed to save some money increased their savings from 55% to 59%.

Economist Alex Papi of Findomestic predicts a slowdown in private consumption, particularly in purchases of durable goods, which were performing well in the first half of the year. In the automotive sector, new car sales fell by 12% (-0.7 points), used cars remained stable at 12% (+0.1%), and motor vehicles increased by 7% (+0.3).

When it comes to household appliances, only necessary purchases are favored: large appliances rose by 25% (+1.9), with an expected expenditure of slightly over €1,000, while small appliances remained the second most chosen category at 37% (-0.3). Intentions for technology purchases declined (telephones -2.6, PCs -0.8), while heating equipment such as condensing or biomass boilers increased by 1.7, and floor-heating installations rose by 0.9%.

Heat pumps fell by 1.1%, while furniture and self-build projects both dropped by 2.1% and -1.4%, respectively.

The concerns of Italians highlight the prudence in their spending, with inflation being the top concern for 65% of respondents, the highest in the past three years, and the decline in purchasing power ranking second at 40%. Eighty-five percent perceive prices increasing, with more than half deeming the rise to be significant. Optimism remains stagnant at 36%, and 45% of families consider their economic situation problematic.