Across the globe, consumers are feeling the financial burden of higher food prices and the growing cost of fuel, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) will be affected. However, as all people are trying to spend in a more conservative manner, they tend to have different preferences and habits when it comes to saving their money.

A recent article from The Economist examines the varying tendencies from country to country. Priorities vary as Russians value their wardrobes, Nordic countries hold vacations in high regard, and Brazilians seem extremely content while they simply stay at home.

Since people across the globe want to save money on food, the way in which they save will vary based on their different shopping habits. In wealthier nations such as the United States and in European countries, the rise in food prices has to be kept in perspective. It seems that there has been a rise in using leftovers, but this only seems to be a fad in the middle class. Only time will tell if this catches on with the majority of these nations.

Regardless of how they save, the food and beverage industry is most likely to be affected. One ETF that tracks this sector is the PowerShares Dynamic Food & Beverage (PBJ).

Another way people may look to save is through limiting their leisure or entertainment spending. For many, spending for pleasure is nearly impossible, as roughly one-fifth of British, German and French respondents say they have no cash after covering their basic expenses. A quarter of Americans are saying the same thing. However, many people are immune to financial gloom, as eight of 10 American adults are saying they still go to the movies.

An ETF that tracks the leisure and enterainment industry is the PowerShares Dynamic Leisure & Entertainment (PEJ).

Tags: Leisure & Entertainment, PBJ, PEJ, Retail & Consumer

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