Home | Press Room | Press Release Archives | March 2002 Economic Index

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For Immediate Release April 4, 2002
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Dallas-Fort Worth – The Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index for March, based on a nationwide Internet survey conducted the last 10 days of the month, indicates that U.S. economic activity reached 115, continuing an increase that started in January. This slow, steady increase throughout 2002’s first quarter is consistent with the many predictions that the U.S. economy has begun to pull out of the recession. Also, March’s 115 is the highest the Index has been since December 2000, as shown below:

The biggest driver behind the March increase was consumer reports of increased business activity at their workplaces. Consumers’ plans to buy high-ticket products within the next six months also sharply increased in March. And U.S. consumers continued to show confidence in the stock market during March.

"Consumer do seem to believe the news that the recession has ended, especially since they see activity picking up at the places where they work," said Jerry W. Thomas, CEO and President of Decision Analyst. "And that higher level of certainty seems to be translating into greater consumer purchase intent over the next six months."

Canadian Index Holds Steady

The Decision Analyst Economic Index for Canada indicates that the Canadian economy is bouncing back as well, with March’s number of 109 the same as February’s. The Economic Index for Canada stood at 107 in December, fell to 102 in January, and rose again to 109 in February, where it has stayed. Canadian consumers’ confidence about job markets dropped a little, and their opinions about job security remained the same as in February. Correspondingly, they reported slightly less optimistic predictions of purchase intent over the next six months than they did in February.

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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