The December U.S. Economic Index Indicates a Slowing Economy for the Beginning of 2019

Arlington, Texas—The Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index stands at 113 for December 2018, a 4-point decline from November 2018 and a 3-point decrease from 12 months ago (December 2017). The overall trend of the Economic Index is tilting downward and might indicate a turning point in overall economic activity. The decline in the Index over the past year suggests that economic growth in the U.S. will be slowing in 2019. The Economic Index tends to lead overall U.S. economic activity by 6 to 12 months. Below is the past-10-year history of the U.S. Economic Index.

December 2018 Economic Index

“The U.S. Economic Index in December might be indicating a ‘topping out’ of the U.S. economy and suggesting slower growth in coming quarters. Decisions and actions coming out of Washington, D.C., are dampening the U.S. economy. Trade disputes, immigration crackdowns, the government shutdown, and rising interest rates all tend to weaken the U.S. economy and increase uncertainty for consumers and business executives. Corporations are contributing to the economic weakness by not investing sufficiently in research and development, new products, and new plants and equipment—as they chase short-term profits at the expense of long-term gains. Low unemployment and the imposition of tariffs mean the threat of inflation is ever present. Inflation is a risk factor in that it might reduce consumer spending,” said Jerry W. Thomas, President/CEO of Decision Analyst. “Weakness in Europe and China are also a concern. All in all, 2019 looks like a challenging year for the U.S. economy.”

Census Divisions

Only three of the Census Divisions have increased in the past 12 months, New England increased 3 points and the West North Central and the Pacific Census Divisions each increased 1 point. The East North Central Division decreased 4 points in the past 12 months while the Mountain Census Division decreased 3 points.

December 2018 Economic Index US Census Division

 
Global Index

The following chart compares the U.S. Economic Index to Decision Analyst’s Economic Indices for other countries. In South America, Argentina has declined 19 points in the past 12 months, while Brazil and Columbia each increased 3 points. In Europe, France has decreased 5 points and Russia decreased 4 points in the past 12 months. Italy has increased 2 points. The major countries tracked by Decision Analyst are shown below.

December 2018 Economic Indicies

   
Methodology

The Decision Analyst Economic Index is based on a monthly online survey of several thousand households balanced by gender, age, and geography. The scientific survey is conducted in the last 10 days of each month. The Economic Index is calculated from 9 different economic measurements using a sophisticated econometric model. The result is a snapshot of coming 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, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Peru, the Russian Federation, Spain, and the United States. Whenever the Decision Analyst Economic Index is greater than 110, it tends to signal an expanding economy. An Index value of 90 to 110 suggests a no-growth or slow-growth economy, and near or below 90 generally indicates economic contraction. These guidelines vary by country, however.

About Decision Analyst

Decision Analyst (www.decisionanalyst.com) is a global marketing research and analytical consulting firm specializing in strategy research, new product development, advertising testing, and advanced modeling for marketing decision optimization. For over 40 years, the firm has delivered competitive advantage to clients throughout the world in consumer-packaged goods, telecommunications, retail, technology, medical, and automotive industries.

Media Contact

Cristi Allen
Publicity
Email: callen@decisionanalyst.com
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Address: 604 Avenue H East
Arlington, TX 76011

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Interactive Economic Index

  Decision Analyst Economic Index

Click on the map above to open Decision Analyst's Interactive Map for the United States and its nine census divisions.

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