For Immediate Release January 3, 2006
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Arlington, Texas (January 3, 2006) - Continuing a three-month uptrend, the Decision Analyst Economic Index increased from 109 in November to 112 in December, thus ending the year where it began.

"The economic outlook is shaping up positively for the start of 2006," said Jerry W. Thomas, President and CEO of Decision Analyst, a marketing research and marketing consulting firm. "The economy appears to be gaining momentum, but energy prices and interest rates represent future threats to continued economic growth."

The increases in the December indicators were due largely to "business activities" (up 18 points). There were also increases in "consumer purchase intent" for large-ticket durable goods (up 7 points) and "employment status" (up 11 points). The largest decrease was for "consumer credit" (down 6 points), suggesting that consumers are reaching spending limits. Reduced consumer spending could become a drag on the economy in 2006 as there is uncertainty over energy prices and interest rates, two important factors in consumer spending.

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 typically conducted between the 20th and 27th of each month. The Index is 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 concurrent economic surveys in Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and India. Whenever the Decision Analyst Economic Index is greater than 110, it tends to signal an expanding economy. An index value of 100 to 110 suggests a stagnant economy, and below 100 generally indicates economic contraction. These guidelines vary by country, however.

About Decision Analyst

Decision Analyst (www.decisionanalyst.com) is a leading marketing research and marketing consulting firm specializing in advertising testing, strategy research, new product development, and advanced modeling for marketing decision optimization. The firm delivers competitive advantage to clients throughout the world in the consumer packaged goods, telecommunications, retail, high technology, medical and pharmaceutical, utilities, and e-commerce industries. Decision Analyst operates American Consumer Opinion® Online, one of the world’s largest Internet consumer opinion panels, with more than 5 million participants.

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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