For Immediate Release
November 4, 2011
Contact: Cristi Allen
callen@decisionanalyst.com
Phone: 817-640-6166

Arlington, Texas—The Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index increased 5 points from 89 in September 2011 to 94 in October 2011. The overall pattern of the Index is suggesting continued economic stagnation for the balance of 2011 and into the first half of 2012. The U.S. Economic Index is a leading indicator that tends to foreshadow overall economic activity by 6 to 12 months. Here is the U.S. Economic Index for the past 3 years:

Below is the U.S. Economic Index for the past 10 years:

“The economy is showing some signs of life. Business activity and future consumer purchase intentions for durable goods increased in October, while inflation eased (with gasoline prices falling and food prices stabilizing). If inflation rates remain moderate, the U.S. economy stands a good chance of avoiding a double-dip recession, although economic growth will be modest at best,” said Jerry W. Thomas, President/CEO of Decision Analyst. “A number of headwinds continue to slow the U.S. economy: high unemployment, reductions in government spending at all levels, and reluctance on the part of businesses to make major investments. Uncertainty related to politics and budget problems in the U.S. and Europe is the primary culprit.”

The table below compares the U.S. Economic Index to Decision Analyst’s Economic Indices for other countries. In Europe, Germany and the Russian Federation are tied for the highest score of 99, while France is at the bottom with a score of 76. In South America, Brazil’s Index is 125 (a rapidly expanding economy) and in Asia, China’s Index is 120.

The West South Central Division appears to have the strongest economy with an Index of 97. The East South Central and the South Atlantic Divisions appear to be the weakest—with scores of 88 and 89, respectively. (See map below.)

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 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 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, the 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 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 3 decades, the firm has delivered competitive advantage to clients throughout the world in the consumer-packaged goods, telecommunications, retail, technology, medical, and automotive industries.

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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