Ipsos/RBC Consumer Outlook Index: November 2012

Washington, D.C. - The overall RBC Consumer Outlook Index has improved very slightly this month, increasing 0.5 to 48.9. This underlines the sustained improvement in optimism first measured in September, with this month's figure among the highest measured in 2012.

Key findings include:

• We are seeing a slow-but-steady decline in the proportion who think things are on the `wrong track' and an increase in those who think things are heading in the `right direction'. This is important for setting context for the Index numbers - the backdrop is one of improving overall perceptions.
• The election context is also important, and this month we asked about the issues that people consider to be most important when they cast their vote. Economic issues top the list, with jobs and employment (37%) the leader, but taxation and the deficit also deemed very important.
• There has been a jump of 5 points in the number who generally feel that the US economy and their own financial situation will improve in the next year, which marks the highest rating we've seen for this question since tracking began in 2010.
• There is increasing awareness of the fiscal cliff, and indicators that it will impact on spending - both now and over the holiday season.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos online poll conducted Oct 25-Oct 28, 2012. For this survey, a national sample of 1,007 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.