Does this record level increase indicate that the worst economic challenges are behind the country? Stock and Stock Mutual Fund Investing would indicate a renewed confidence in the markets. Millionaires were much more interested in stock investing than were the Affluent, and as Millionaires are usually a few steps ahead of the game, that speaks loads for an improvement in the market.

There were only two stories in the news that seem to be affecting the economic outlook of the Affluent and Millionaires: Political Environment and the Economy.

In February of this year, the only thing on the minds of the affluent was the economy, at 60%. The fact that it has fallen to 25% in just three months shows that affluent investors are getting used to what is now seen as the “new normal”. This suggests that people are finally realizing thing are not going back to “normal”. It also lends credence to the idea that the economy has started to turn around, and perhaps when the next quarter’s numbers are reported, we may be out of the recession...or close to it. 

Twenty-five percent of Affluent Investors are concerned with how the Political Environment is affecting their economic outlook. This concern suggests that current Washington policies will continue to keep wealthy investors cautious even in light of this record increase in overall sentiment. The Outlook climbed to its highest point since August of 2008 as it reached 6.9 this month. The Outlook was buoyed by big jumps in Household Income and Assets and Company Health. There was a slight dip (down 2.8) in the Economy measure, which is perhaps an adjustment from last month’s 12pt jump.
 
The Outlook’s jump could be the result of a more stable economy, and the Affluent and Millionaires readjusting to what is being called “the new normal” by the media and analysts alike. These are the times we live in now, and the new normal requires a readjustment of the affluent’s general outlook.

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