America's Financial Leaders Predict No Government Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - Although another budget deadline looms on Friday, nearly three-quarters of America's financial leaders forecast that the federal government will remain open, according to an exclusive new survey of financial executives by SmartBrief and the international polling and research firm Ipsos. "Our readers who work in various aspects of finance are uniquely positioned to answer questions such as this one about the state and the likely direction of the U.S. economy" noted John Walcott, SmartBrief's chief content officer and editor-in-chief. "We're delighted to be able to tap the experience and the expertise of Ipsos to help ask the right questions and analyze their responses."

Just 3% of the 841 respondents to the SmartBrief/Ipsos Leadership Index said they think a temporary government shutdown "definitely" will happen, and only 25% think it "probably" will happen. These results are in stark contrast to widespread concerns of imminent shutdown within the Washington DC political community. The full survey results will be published by SmartBrief on Monday.

"Our first survey was of 841 financial and elite leaders" says Cliff Young, Managing Director, Ipsos. "Samples of this size are unprecedented in our industry for cost and access reasons. This is why the SmartBrief-Ipsos partnership is a veritable goldmine, and will bring new and exciting insights into what America's leadership thinks on the key issues."

SmartBrief surveys select industry audiences in partnership with Ipsos, a leading global survey-based market research company that helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world. The company is owned and managed by research professionals. It was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2009, Ipsos generated global revenues of $1.33 billion.

To learn more about SmartBrief, please visit www.SmartBrief.com

For more information on this news release please contact:

Clifford Young Managing Director, Public Sector Practice Ipsos Public Affairs 312.375.3328 [email protected]

Julia Clark Director Ipsos Public Affairs 202.463.3623 [email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

In 2010, Ipsos generated global revenues of e1.140 billion ($1.6 billion U.S.).

Visit www.ipsos-na.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Ipsos, listed on the Eurolist of Euronext - Comp B, is part of SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index, adheres to the Next Prime segment and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Isin FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP