For Immediate Release October 3, 2002
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Dallas-Fort Worth – The U.S. economy faltered a little in September, according to the Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index. Based on a nationwide Internet survey conducted the last 10 days of the month, the Economic Index fell two points in September, from August’s 111 to 109.

"The recent weakness in stock prices is obviously taking a toll on consumers’ attitudes," said Jerry W. Thomas, President/CEO of Decision Analyst, Inc. "Consumers have sustained the U.S. economy over the past two years, but they are running out of optimism and running out of credit, as well. If capital spending does not kick in soon, this will indeed be a very slow recovery."

Methodology

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 Canada, 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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