The U.S. Economy Likely To Strengthen In 2017, According To Decision Analyst’s Economic Index

Arlington, Texas—The Decision Analyst U.S. Economic Index entered 2017 at 114 (January 2017), a 7-point increase from January 2016. This year-over-year increase in the Economic Index signals continued U.S. economic growth during the first half of 2017. The Economic Index tends to lead U.S. economic activity by 6 to 12 months. Below is the past-10-year history of the U.S. Economic Index.

“The overall trend of the U.S. Economic Index over the past few months suggests that 2017 will likely get off to a positive start,” said Jerry W. Thomas, President/CEO of Decision Analyst. “However, the change of political power in Washington carries with it risks of economic distractions and economic turmoil. Disruptions in the flow of imports and exports could have major negative effects on the U.S. economy if the Trump administration pursues trading restrictions, and the possible cancellation of the Affordable Care Act likewise carries economic risks. A continuing drag on the economy is the failure of large U.S. corporations to adequately invest in new equipment, new products, new people, and new facilities. We continue to believe that higher rates of interest would be good for the U.S. economy long-term,” said Thomas. “More normal interest rates would help reduce corporate financial engineering and would reduce speculative investments in marginal opportunities.”

Census Divisions

The U.S. Census Divisions have increased in the past 12 months, except for the East South Central Division, which remained the same as a year ago. The South Atlantic Division had the highest score of all the Census Divisions. It registered an Index score of 116 for January 2017; that is an increase of 7 points from January 2016. The East South Central Census Division has the lowest Index score, a 110 for January 2017.

 

Global Index

The following chart compares Decision Analyst’s U.S. Economic Index to the Economic Indices for other countries. Globally, not all countries are headed in the same direction. France and the Russian Federation have each increased 9 points in the past 12 months, while Brazil and the United States have increased 7 points in the past 12 months. Mexico has declined 7 points in the past 12 months, while both Italy and Spain have each declined 4 points.

 

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, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Peru, the Russian Federation, Spain, United Kingdom, 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 35 years, the firm has delivered competitive advantage to clients throughout the world in consumer-packaged goods, telecommunications, retail, technology, medical, and automotive industries.

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