March 26, 2003
Contact: Kathy
Deboer, Vice President
WestGroup Research
(602) 707-0050 Office Phone
(602) 707-0055 Office Fax
kathy@westgroupresearch.com
Economic Optimism Coincides with "Shock and Awe"
PHOENIX - Optimism about the economy has improved since the recent launch of the war in Iraq. The belief that the economy is not in recession or about to end fell from 41% to 28% in February, but has regained to 41% now that the war is in full swing.
Those are some of the findings of a just-released survey of 376 adults from throughout Arizona by WestGroup Research of Phoenix. The telephone survey took place March 21-22 and 24. The overall study has a margin of error at a 95% confidence level of + 5%.
Question: Which of the following best represents your opinion about the U.S. Economy?
|
Opinions about the Economy
|
January 2003 n=826
|
Februrary 2003
n=811 |
March 2003 n=326 |
| The economy has not been in a recession |
11%
|
7%
|
11%
|
| Recession is over |
5%
|
3%
|
2%
|
| Recession will end in a few months |
25%
|
18%
|
28%
|
| Recession will not end this year |
50%
|
64%
|
48%
|
| No Opinion |
9%
|
8%
|
11%
|
"The skepticism we saw in February is beginning to turn around," says Ted Apostol, president of WestGroup Research. "Skepticism apparently reflected weariness on the part of Arizonans over the controversial plans for war. With the start of the war we are already seeing improved optimism in the market, both nationally and in Arizona. Victory in Iraq will likely turn things around."
WestGroup Research, Arizona's premier market research firm, was established in 1959. WestGroup provides "answers" to clients through telephone interviewing, focus groups, mystery shoppers, data services and expert analysis. WestGroup is home to WestTrack, Arizona's oldest and largest ongoing omnibus study. Monthly studies are conducted with random samples of 400 adult household heads both in metropolitan Phoenix and statewide. In addition to paid WestTrack subscribers, WestGroup frequently includes public interest questions in WestTrack studies as a service to the press and the residents of Arizona.
