Washington, DC, December 16, 2009 –– In a nationwide survey conducted by the American Consumer Institute Center for Citizen Research (ACI), 60% of consumers say that the economy is worse than it was a year ago, while 17% believe the economic is about the same and only 22% believe the economy is either better.  The gloomy assessment was voiced across all income, race and age groups, as well as other demographic characteristics, including among Republicans (67%) and Democrats (56%), and compared December 2008 to December 2009.  

 

The survey results also show that consumer perceptions of a poor economy closely coincide with a drop-off in expected consumer spending during the holiday season.  The survey found that 49% of consumers expect to spend less, 40% expect to spend about the same and only 8% of consumers expect to spend more, compared to last year’s survey.  

 

The national survey of 1,001 adults was conducted over the period of December 11th to 15th 2009 and is part of the Institute’s Annual Consumer Pulse Survey.  These survey results have an accuracy of plus or minus 3%.

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