The Economy Boosts Outlook

The Spectrem Affluent Household Outlook gained 2.86 points this month to -11.71, still negative, but at its highest level since June. The boost was driven by an increase in confidence in the Economy, which rose from -33.69 points to -23.05, the highest reading since July.

The results were split amongst the four components that comprise the Outlook, which is based on investor attitudes regarding issues that impact their daily lives.  Along with the Economy, Household Assets also increased this month, edging up 1.18 points to -5.91.

But Household Income dropped 1.76 points to -6.63, while Company Health dipped 1.18 points to -5.91, the four straight month this component has declined. This is the second consecutive month all four of the components have posted negative readings.

A stronger showing by Millionaire households drove the increase in the overall Outlook. The Millionaire Outlook jumped 7.21 points to 8.54. The Economy leapt 18.73 points to -11.93, the highest reading since July, while confidence in Company Health gained 8.86 points to -4.63 and Household Assets increased 5.76 points to -5.90. Household Income, though, dropped 4.51 points to -11.71.

It was a month of modest gains and losses in the Non-Millionaire Outlook, which dipped 2.42 points to  -15.62. Household Income gained 1.8 points to -0.37, while Household Assets gained .98 points to -17.86, and the Economy edged up .43 points to -36.75. Company Health offset these gains with a loss of 2.11 points to -7.50.