Confidence strong as Utahns await effects of election

Although Utahns are waiting to see how the recent election results will affect the economy, they are marginal optimistic about both their current situation as well as the future. The Zions Bank Utah Consumer Attitude Index (CAI) increased 3.0 points to 114.7 in November.

Although Utahns are waiting to see how the recent election results will affect the economy, they are marginal optimistic about both their current situation as well as the future. The Zions Bank Utah Consumer Attitude Index (CAI) increased 3.0 points to 114.7 in November. The increase was a result of slightly greater confidence in the present economy, and a positive outlook on the future economic situation.

The overall CAI currently sits 0.7 points higher than its level 12 months ago. In comparison, the national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) increased 6.3 points from October to November and currently sits at 107.1.

“Utahns’ optimism in the economy is justified,” said Randy Shumway, CEO of Cicero Group. “As both new and old businesses alike continue to choose Utah for its business-friendly environment and wealth of educated talent, employment is bound for continued growth.”

The Present Situation Index, a sub-index of the CAI that measures how consumers feel about current economic conditions, increased 3.0 points from October and is 5.7 points higher than it was at this time last year.

Fifty-five percent of Utahns rate business conditions as good, a 2 percent decline from October, while 11 percent of Utahns believe jobs are hard to get, a 2 percent decline.

Expectations for the next six months increased 4.3 points in November due to a slightly more positive outlook on future business conditions. Other findings:

• Thirty-eight percent of Utahns think their household income will be higher in six months, compared to 32 percent in October.

• Twenty-six percent of Utahns think business conditions will be better in six months, a 1 percent increase from October.

• Twenty-five percent of Utahns believe there will be more jobs in their area in six months, compared to 24 percent in October.

“Consumer confidence has remained resilient throughout a vicious and uncertain election,” said Scott Anderson, president and CEO of Zions Bank. “Whether or not they are pleased with the ultimate outcome, Utahns are steadfastly optimistic that the economy will remain healthy.”

Other interesting economic metrics from the survey include:

• Twenty-six percent of consumers believe the U.S. economy will improve during the next 12 months, compared to 20 percent in October.

• Sixty-six percent of Utahns think interest rates will go up in the next 12 months.

• Eighty-four percent of employed Utahns believe it is unlikely they will lose their jobs, compared to 79 percent in October.

• Sixty-seven percent of Utahns believe the price of gasoline will go up over the next 12 months.

Zions Bank provides the CAI as a free resource to the communities of Utah. The monthly CAI summary reports are released at a monthly press conference, coinciding with The Conference Board’s national CCI release date.

Analysis and data collection for the CAI are done by the Cicero Group, a market research firm based in Salt Lake City.