Consumer Trends 26 March 2026 - 30 March 2026

Unilever Price Hikes Are Coming After Dove Maker Flags War-Driven Cost Shock

Unilever will raise prices in response to higher costs from the Iran war, after first-quarter underlying sales rose 3.8%, beating forecasts. The company kept its 2026 outlook and launched a €1.5 billion share buyback. Turnover fell 3.3% to €12.6 billion due to currency effects. Home Care led growth with a 6.1% sales increase.

May 1, 2026

Consumer Trends·Electric Vehicles·Finance·News

Commonwealth Bank of Australia Says EV Loan Demand Soars 161% as Fuel Crunch Drives Buyers Electric

Commonwealth Bank of Australia reported a 161.5% surge in battery electric vehicle loan demand in March, driven by record fuel prices and supply concerns. Inquiries on its car-buying portal rose 136%, and business applications for Tesla vehicles jumped 268% from a year earlier. Canberra halved fuel excise for three months as diesel topped A$3 a litre. National Australia Bank also saw EV loan demand double since early March.

March 30, 2026

Consumer Trends·Finance·News·Stock Market

Tesco PLC Stock Price Falls as Consumer Confidence Slumps Before April Results

Tesco shares fell 1.6% to 455.1 pence Thursday after data showed UK household sentiment at a two-year low. The retailer is set to report full-year results April 16, with analysts expecting £3.096 billion in adjusted operating profit. Tesco’s market share rose to 28.7% in recent months, but the company faces rising staff costs and pressure from weak consumer confidence.

March 26, 2026