Affluent Optimism Up

Affluent optimism in the U.S. economy ended 2011 by rising for three consecutive months, from 30% in September 2011, to 40% in December 2011. In raw numbers, this rise of 10 percentage points during Q4 reflects roughly 5.9 million more Affluent adults who are optimistic about the economy, their spirits buoyed mostly by perceived improvements in the job market and consumer spending.

The findings come from Ipsos' monthly online survey that tracks the lives, lifestyles and evolving attitudes of the 58.5 million U.S. adults aged 18+ living in households with at least $100,000 in annual household income. The uptick in Affluent optimism was also apparent in our December barometer, when we asked participants to take stock of 2011 and express their expectations about 2012. Viewed in retrospect, 2011 was a mixed bag at best...

• 56% said 2011 was a good year for themselves and their family
• 38% considered 2011 good for their career/finances
• About 1 in 10 considered 2011 a good year for the economy or America as a whole

Looking ahead, 2012 is expected to be better across the board...

• Nearly two-thirds expect 2012 to be a good year for themselves and their family
• 54% expect 2012 to be a good year for their career/finances
• About 30% expect 2012 to be a good year for the economy or America as a whole

America's Affluent are looking forward to 2012 with a renewed sense of hope and with full agendas. Eight in ten made resolutions or set specific goals for themselves, with most focused on spending more time with family, saving money, and/or living healthier lifestyles.

For Affluents, the year 2012 has dawned as a time of fragmented expectations. It is a time of new hopes, particularly for themselves and those close to them, and a time of continued but slightly lessened concerns about America and the economy, and their spending.