There is little of concern to the affluent, these days, outside of the economy. Jobless claims hit a 26-year high and new home sales are at an all time low. Stock Market Conditions are a distant second as a story in the news most affecting the affluent’s economic outlook. Though the stock market and the economy are linked, the news has been focusing on the government economic bailout, the stimulus package, and many of the other markers of a troubled economy and a recession.
 

Over the last year, no story in the news has been so important to the affluent. In May 2008, Increasing Oil/Gas Prices (45%) were of a concern, as the prices were soaring, right before the Summer travel season, but since the Economy has come to the forefront in November, it hasn’t diminished in importance. It is unlikely that any concern will usurp the economy as the top story in the news any time soon.

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