Ipsos/RBC Consumer Outlook Index: February 2013

Washington, D.C. - With the resolution of the fiscal cliff issue and recent Presidential inauguration, February shows strong improvement in consumer outlook. The second RBC Consumer Outlook Index of the year shows a substantial bump overall, and this carries over to some of the key sub-indices as well. This data builds on the moderate improvements found last month, and reinforce the notion that American consumers are entering 2013 with an overall improved economic outlook.

The overall RBC Consumer Outlook Index sees consumer confidence up 1.5 points to 49.5.

• The RBC Investment Index posts a very large jump of 3.4 to 45.2, the second-highest figure recorded so far on this measure.
• The RBC Current Conditions Index shows a large increase of 2.8 points to 41.4. This is the highest rating ever posted for this metric, 0.1 point higher than September's previous record.
• The RBC Expectations Index also shows significant improvement, up 2.0 points to 58, indicating substantial public optimism about the economy looking forward in 2013.
• The RBC Inflation Index shows modest improvement, with a decline of 1.2 points to 76.4.
• The RBC Jobs Index is the one measure to post a negative shift since January, dropping 1.1 points to 55.3.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos online poll conducted Jan 24-27, 2013. For this survey, a national sample of 1,008 adults from Ipsos' U.S. online panel was interviewed online. Weighting then was employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the U.S. adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls because they are based on samples drawn from opt-in online panels, not on random samples that mirror the population within a statistical probability ratio. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

More data and full technical details are available in the topline document attached.

For more information on this news release please contact:

Julia Clark Vice President Ipsos Public Affairs 202.463.3623 [email protected]

About Ipsos Public Affairs

Ipsos Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective, survey-based research practice made up of seasoned professionals. We conduct strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of American and international organizations, based not only on public opinion research, but elite stakeholder, corporate, and media opinion research.

Ipsos has media partnerships with the most prestigious news organizations around the world. In the U.S., UK and internationally, Ipsos Public Affairs is the media polling supplier to Reuters News, the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals, and the Hispanic polling partner of Telemundo Communications Group, a division of NBC Universal providing Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world.

Ipsos Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research company. We provide boutique-style customer service and work closely with our clients, while also undertaking global research.

To learn more visit: www.ipsos-na.com

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. In October 2011 Ipsos completed the acquisition of Synovate. The combination forms the world's third largest market research company.

With offices in 84 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across six research specializations: advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, public affairs research, and survey management.

Ipsos researchers 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 and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of e1,363 billion (1.897 billion USD) in 2011.