Annual Survey -Wealthiest 10% of Americans Expect Weaker Economy

Furniture World Magazine

The majority of affluent Americans remain optimistic about current and future business conditions, however, an increasing percentage is showing concern about business conditions, the stock market, and their own personal household income 12 months from now. The overall index for these three factors continued a decline that began 6 months ago and is now back to the Fall 2002 level, the record low for these surveys. Against this backdrop, the wealthy are displaying mixed signals about their future spending plans. With the exception of new automobiles, their plans for major purchases such as homes, boats, home remodeling, and cruises remain relatively strong. As in prior surveys, the wealthiest 1% and wealthiest 5% of Americans are the most optimistic in their economic outlook and are more likely to plan increased spending. Spending plans for the next 12 months are also tracked for 17 categories of goods and services, including home durables (major appliances, computers, furniture/furnishings, and entertainment equipment), leisure activities (casual and upscale dining out, entertainment, and recreation), domestic and international travel, designer and non-designer apparel, collectibles, fine jewelry, and political and charitable contributions. Of the 17 future spending indexes, 11 are lower now than one year ago, two are the same, and four are higher. Nine indexes are at negative levels. Planned spending for international vacation travel is at a positive level for the first time since the surveys began, while planned spending for major appliances is at its lowest level ever. This new survey also provides information on plans for travel outside of the continental U.S. during the fourth quarter (including favored destinations, cruises, hotel brand preferences, and the length and cost of the vacation), the purchase of designer apparel during the prior 90 days (including the brand, the price, and the store where purchased), and major appliances purchased during the prior 90 days (the type, price, brand, and store where purchased). Additional highlights from the national survey of 412 men and women in the wealthiest 10% of American households can be found on the AARC website, http://www.affluenceresearch.org/ . The survey participants have an average income of $329,000 and an average net worth of almost $3 million. They control 70% of the private wealth in the US. The complete 35-page report containing 35 tables is available for $295 from AARC and may be ordered by contacting the company at 305-933-4887 or info@affluenceresearch.org. The report with a complete set of data tables is available for $595. Contact AARC for press copies. The AARC is a marketing research and consulting company that focuses on the values, lifestyles, attitudes, and purchasing behavior of the most affluent segments of the population .