Although inflation rates in the United States have declined from their peak levels following the pandemic, living costs (such as housing, food, insurance, and utilities) remain high. This has led to a reduction in "disposable income" for many American families, making budgets for gifts and non-essential spending tighter.
Key points of the report:
* Interest in digital currencies:
* A survey conducted by "Visa" in collaboration with "Morning Consult" found that 28% of Americans would like to receive digital currencies as gifts during the holiday season.
* This percentage rises significantly among the younger generation (Gen Z), where 45% of them expressed enthusiasm for receiving digital currencies as gifts.
* Changing consumer behavior:
* Due to tight budgets, Americans have not stopped spending, but have become smarter; they have started shopping early, comparing prices seriously, and using technology tools to get the most out of every dollar.
* Approximately 47% of shoppers used AI tools to help find gift ideas and compare prices.
* Why digital currencies?
* Digital currencies are not seen as a luxury, but as flexible assets with potential long-term value. For young people, digital currencies have become a natural part of their digital financial identity.
* The report indicates that gifting digital currencies is beginning to replace traditional cash or conventional consumer gifts, reflecting a cultural shift towards "financial digitization."
* The impact of inflation on energy:
* The report noted that energy prices saw a jump of 4.2% year-over-year in November, which increased pressure on household budgets; however, interest in alternative assets like crypto remained steady.
* Economic conclusion:
* This trend indicates that the American economy is in a state of "cautious stability." Consumers are not retracting their spending, but are directing their money towards assets that provide them efficiency or potential future growth.
* Accepting digital currencies as gifts in challenging economic conditions is a sign of the "cultural normalization" of these assets, rather than just a passing speculative trend.
Conclusion:
Although Americans are feeling financial pressure, they are still cautiously betting on the digital future, as technology and alternative assets fill the gap left by traditional consumer patterns.