Buoyed by stock market gains as well as improvements in the housing and job markets, optimism among affluent Americans has reached a six-month high, according to Ipsos MediaCT's February 2013 Mendelsohn Affluent Barometer.
The study also found that more than one in three (37%) Affluents—adults living in households with at least $100,000 in annual household income—multitask regularly: Two-thirds (66%) say multitasking contributes to their productivity.
Below, additional findings from the February 2013 Mendelsohn Affluent Barometer from Ipsos MediaCT.
Affluents constitute 20% of the US population and hold 69% of the privately held net worth in America, according to the report. They are vitally important for many marketplace categories, including luxury, automotive, financial, technology, and travel.
Some 43% of Affluents were optimistic about the US economy in February, up from 40% in December 2012 and 34% in October 2012. By contrast, only 36% of Affluents described themselves as pessimistic in February.
Ultra Affluents—the 2-4% of Americans with at least $250K+ household income, are even more optimistic: 48% say they are somewhat or very optimistic about the US economy, and only 31% say they are pessimistic.
Overall, more than one-half (52%) of Affluents now believe they will be better off in 12 months, up from 41% in December 2012.
Luxury Spending
Luxury spending among Affluents will likely remain at current levels; however, spending among Ultra Affluents is expected to be stronger, particularly in categories related to travel, apparel, accessories, watches, and jewelry.
Multitasking and Technology
Multitasking is a way of life among Affluents, who tend to be early adopters of the latest technology, such as tablets and smartphones.
Among the Affluents surveyed:
- 27% say they multitask "almost constantly," and an additional 37% multitask "regularly."
- 66% agree "multitasking helps me be more productive."
- 51% have engaged with social media about a television program while watching that program.
- 58% of smartphone owners "regularly" or "almost constantly" use their smartphone while watching TV, and 66% would find it "extremely" or "very" difficult to live without their smartphone.
- 53% of tablet owners "regularly" or "almost constantly" use their tablets while watching TV, and 33% would find it "extremely" or "very" difficult to live without their tablet.
About the data: The February 2013 Mendelsohn Affluent Barometer was conducted online February 1-8, 2013 with 1,055 adults age 18+ with household income (HHI) of $100K+ (“Affluent”). The sample included 192 Ultra Affluents, defined as adults 18+ with HHI of $250K+. The data were weighted to reflect US Census data.
