|
American Express released results of a survey of 5000 consumers in five countries which shows that, despite recent tough economic conditions around the world, consumers -- and in particular affluent consumers -- feel extremely positive about their near-term future financial conditions and spending plans.
Vijay Parekh, President of American Express' International Consumer and Small Business Payments
and Financial Services group said that the high levels of confidence reflected in the survey were consistent with the trends he has been seeing in
American Express' international business indicators.
"Consumers, especially the affluent, seem to be showing more confidence," he noted. "We are seeing it in their spending and travel patterns."
Additionally, the survey (which also asked consumers about their favorite indulgences and how they would spend an unexpected "windfall" of $30,000) surfaced some striking differences among the attitudes and habits of top-earning households in Australia, Canada, Italy, Mexico and United Kingdom. For example:
* Australians love the outdoors -- traveling, sports, eating out.
However, they are quite conservative on financial matters.
* Canadians say they like to spend on property and home improvements.
Over the next year, however, they intend to spend more on dining out
and going out for entertainment. However, many expect to reduce their
spending on health and fitness.
* The Italians were the least optimistic, and do not consider themselves
indulgent.
* The Mexicans were by far the most optimistic of those surveyed; they
enjoyed traveling the most, and indulge in buying clothes.
* The British love to travel, and intend to do even more of it over the
next year. Eating out is near the top of their list of indulgences,
far more than any other group of respondents.
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in
charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.
Source: American Express
2 Sep 2003
|
|