Good Omens for US Economic Growth

Prospects for expansion of the US economy in 2004 look good, according to the latest data from Decision Analyst's U.S. Economic Index. Measured business activity was up strongly for the second month to its highest level since summer 2001.

The overall index score jumped to 114 in December, the highest level reached in two years. An index score greater than 110 tends to signal an expanding economy. The Index component for business activity rose 3% from November, with similar rises in consumer purchase intent and confidence in the stock and bond markets - now at a higher level than at any time in the last four years.

'The fourth quarter of 2003 clearly marked a decisive period of change for the economy,' said Jerry W. Thomas, the company's President and CEO. 'From marking time for most of the year, the last quarter saw the economy begin to expand rapidly.

'Stock markets are fast clawing back the losses of the last few years, and businesses are confident of sustained expansion. The job market has not yet seen any significant improvement, but with consumer purchasing intent rising, the general population is clearly confident that the employment situation is likely to improve soon.'

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 during the last 10 days of each month, and the Index is immediately calculated from nine different economic measurements, using a sophisticated econometric model. Indexes are also calculated for Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico and Australia. The company's Web site is at www.decisionanalyst.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas unless otherwise stated.

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