Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index Back in Neutral After Two Years

The Spectrem Millionaire Investor Confidence Index rose five points in November to minus 10, putting it in neutral territory for the first time in nearly two years. Likewise, the Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index, measuring the investment confidence of households with $500,000 or more investable assets, advanced three points to minus four, also bringing it back into neutral territory for the first time in two years.

“Affluent investors grew more confidence in the investment environment in November, improving to a neutral stance for the first time in nearly two years,” said George H. Walper, Jr., president of Spectrem Group. “Millionaires’ confidence also rose. Nevertheless, given recent economic data that has not been overwhelmingly positive, it appears the affluent in particular are approaching the future with some level of continued caution.”

When affluent investors were asked in an open-ended question what news has the most impact on their economic outlook, 32% cited healthcare, 11% unemployment, 10% the economy, 7% the political environment, 6% stock market conditions and 5% housing and real estate. Millionaires expressed slightly less concern about healthcare reform (30%) but were more worried about unemployment (14%).

The Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index is based on 250 monthly interviews with financial decision-makers in households with $500,000 or more in investable assets, and the millionaire index is based on a subset of that group.

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