Economic Sentiment Survey 02-04-10

A recent sentiment survey, the RBC Cash Index, showed consumer attitudes have soured. RBC's take is based on feelings about the current environment; expectations; the job market; and the investment climate. Each and every component of the overall measure declined sharply. However, the Conference Board's take on Consumer Confidence improved at last check, moving to a reading of 55.9 in January, up from 53.6 in December, though the gain was driven by expectations. The Reuters/University of Michigan reading of sentiment also improved in January, rising 1.6 points to 74.4. Again, Michigan's measure was driven by expectations. Expectations, however, are sensitive to data and news flow, and news flow over the last several weeks has been less than supportive. Given recent concern about the labor market, and nascent stock market volatility, we want to check for ourselves to see how you feel about the economy right now.

Economic Sentiment Survey

As part of your contribution, please rank from 1 to 10 (with 10 marking the best possible scenario and 1 marking the worst), the condition of these facets of the economy:

• Current State of Affairs
• Your Expectation for Six Months Forward
• Current Job Market
• Current Investment Climate
• Expectation for Your Government's Impact

We will take a tally of your responses and launch our own "Economic Sentiment Index" a week from now on February 12, 2010.

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