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For Immediate Release
March 8, 2010
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Arlington, Texas—Decision Analyst’s U.S. Economic Index increased one point to 95 in February 2010 from an Index of 94 in January 2010. Since this Index tends to lead the U.S. economy by nine to 12 months, the Economic Index continues to predict a weak recovery during 2010. Below is the Economic Index for the past three years.

“While the U.S. Economic Index is off its lows, the U.S. is still experiencing tough economic conditions," said Jerry W. Thomas, President/CEO of Decision Analyst. “Many small businesses in the U.S. have no access, or limited access, to credit and bank loans, and this is making the nascent recovery slow and fragile. U.S. consumers continue to struggle with high debt loads, high unemployment, salary cuts, and reduced access to credit. Consumers are slowly regaining some confidence, as evidenced by a slight increase in planned purchases of durable goods in 2010. On a global scale, the beginnings of recovery in Europe may be dragged down by the heavy debt burdens of Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal (and don't forget the U.K.). European recovery will be contingent upon how well these countries manage their debts and whether the European Union or IMF (International Monetary Fund) comes to their rescue. Any of these countries could pose a risk to the global financial system and possibly trigger another freeze-up of financial markets.”

International Index

The table below compares the U.S. Economic Index to Decision Analyst’s Economic Indices in other countries. Germany, Australia, and Canada appear to be doing slightly better than the U.S., while China, Brazil, and India are growing very rapidly. France and Argentina appear to be doing comparatively worse than other countries.

 

Census Divisions

The West North Central, West South Central, East South Central, and New England divisions appear to be doing better than the rest of the U.S. The Pacific and Middle Atlantic divisions are comparatively weak (see map below).

 

Methodology

The Decision Analyst Economic Index is based on a monthly Internet survey of several thousand households balanced by gender, age, and geography. The online survey is conducted the last 10 days of each month. The Economic Index is calculated from nine different economic measurements using a sophisticated econometric model. The result is a snapshot of current economic activity in each country surveyed, as seen through the eyes of representative consumers living in the respective countries. Decision Analyst conducts its concurrent economic surveys each month in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom, United States, and Venezuela.

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 slow-growth economy, and near or below 100 generally indicates economic contraction. These guidelines vary by country, however.

About Decision Analyst

Decision Analyst (www.decisionanalyst.com) is a leading global marketing research and analytical consulting firm specializing in advertising testing, strategy research, new product development, and advanced modeling for marketing decision optimization. The 31-year-old firm delivers competitive advantage to clients throughout the world in the consumer packaged goods, telecommunications, retail, technology, medical, and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, Decision Analyst owns and operates American Consumer Opinion® Online—one of the largest consumer opinion panels in the world—with more than eight million members.

For additional information contact:
Cristi Allen
Publicity
Email: callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 1-800-ANALYSIS (262-5974) or 1-817-640-6166
Address: 604 Avenue H East
Arlington, TX 76011

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