Latest snapshot shows wide optimism
about current economy
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Tennessee consumers continue to be more upbeat
about the economy as summer travel season begins, although job market concerns
linger, according to the latest statewide consumer survey results from Middle
Tennessee State University.
The overall Tennessee Consumer
Outlook Index continued its rise, measuring at 77 for June, which is up
significantly from 45 in March and 18 in December. The current online survey of 605 Tennessee residents was conducted June
1-10, with a margin of error of 4 percent.
The Office of Consumer Research
in the MTSU Jones College of Business conducts the quarterly survey, which consists
of a series of questions that measure areas such as how consumers feel about
the local, state and national economies as well as their personal financial
situations and the job market. A copy of the full report and previous report
are available at www.mtsu.edu/consumer/tnoutlookreports.php.
Dr. Tim Graeff, director of the
Office of Consumer Research, said consumers by and large feel better about the
current economy, but jobs prospects remain an issue. Even though there was a “healthy
net improvement” in perceptions of the job market, only 15 percent of those
surveyed said jobs are “easy to find,” versus 27 percent who said jobs are
“hard to find,” Graeff noted.
Consumers in Middle Tennessee
continue to be the most optimistic and also have the most significant
improvement in outlook, the survey shows. West Tennessee consumers lag behind
the other two regions in terms of overall outlook regarding the economy.
And while Tennessee consumers as
a whole feel better about the future economy, consumer purchasing indicators
dipped, meaning the positive economic outlook might not translate into spending
increases in the near term, Graeff noted.
For more information, contact Graeff
at 615-898-5124 or Tim.Graeff@mtsu.edu.
Or visit www.mtsu.edu/consumer.
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