For Immediate Release June 6, 2001
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Dallas-Fort Worth—The Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index for May, based on a nationwide Internet survey conducted the last 10 days of the month, indicates that U.S. economic activity held steady in May, rising only one point – to 112 from April’s 111. At 112 the Index is slowly pushing back up toward the March number of 115, which was the highest it had been since January 2001. All of this is consistent with reports of a slow, weak economic recovery.

The stock market’s volatility still appears to be a drag on consumer perceptions of the economy. Consumers also reported decreased business activity at their workplaces and a sharp drop in plans to buy high-ticket products within the next six months.

"Consumers’ wait-and-see attitude regarding the stock market continues," said Jerry W. Thomas, CEO and President of Decision Analyst. "Meanwhile, they remain somewhat concerned about unemployment. So their plans to make major purchases remain on hold, for the most part."

Canadian Index Rises Sharply

The Decision Analyst Economic Index for Canada rose sharply in May, to 112 from April’s 107. Canadian consumers reported more corporate hiring and business activities where they work. They also reported more plans to purchase big-ticket items.

The Decision Analyst Economic Index is based on a monthly Internet survey of several thousand households balanced by gender, age, and geography. The survey is conducted over the Internet during the last 10 days of each month, and the index is immediately calculated from nine different economic measurements, using a sophisticated econometric model. The result is a snapshot of current U.S. economic activity, as seen through the eyes of representative consumers. Decision Analyst also conducts similar economic research in, the U.K., Germany, France, Italy, and Australia.

Whenever the Decision Analyst Economic Index is greater than 110, it tends to signal an expanding economy. An index of 100 to 110 suggests a stagnant economy, and an index below 100 generally indicates economic contraction. These guidelines vary by country, however.

For additional information contact:
Cristi Allen
Publicity
Email: callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 1.800.ANALYSIS (262.5974)
Address: 604 Avenue H East
Arlington, TX 76011

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