Ipsos/RBC Consumer Outlook Index: June 2013

Washington, D.C. - American consumer attitudes continue to improve, and reflect recent indicators suggesting economic improvement: June's RBC Consumer Outlook Index is at the highest rating we have seen since October 2007. This public optimism has yielded upward movement across all sub-indices as well, with improved perceptions on jobs, investments, expectations about the future, and current sentiment about the economy today. Perceptions of inflation are up as well, driven primarily by rising home prices.

The overall RBC Consumer Outlook Index sits at 51.8, an increase of 1.6 points since last month, and a record high not seen since October 2007's pre-Recession rating of 53.8.

• RBC Expectations Index has shown steady growth over the last few months, and this month is no exception, showing a very large jump of 2.1 points to 60.7. This Expectations Index has not broken the 60-mark since 2007 and 2008.
• The RBC Inflation Index has increased 1.6 points to 79.2, creeping back towards March's high rating of 80.4. This shift is driven mainly by the perception of rising house and gas prices.
• The RBC Jobs Index has increased 1.5 points to 58.9.
• The RBC Current Conditions Index has shown positive movement, up 1.4 points to 42.2.
• The RBC Investment Index posts a positive shift of 0.9 to 45.7.

These are findings of an Ipsos online poll conducted May 31-June 3, 2013. For this survey, a national sample of 1,056 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 312.526.4919 [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 85 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 e1,789 billion (2.300 billion USD) in 2012.