Economic Outlook

More than 7 in 10 Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)  expect the current economic recession to end in less than 12 months, according to the sixth wave of the semi-annual Independent Advisor Outlook Study. The survey was conducted in July 2009.

How long will the current recession last? Among the RIAs surveyed:

• Less than 12 months: 72%
• 12 months or longer: 27%

Length of Time Advisors Expect Current Recession to Last

All Respondents

Local Economies

Many advisors continue to have concerns about their own markets, however. While 59% say their local economy has improved or remained static in the last six months, 39% say their region's economic prospects continue to decline. RIAs in New England (32%) and the South (29%) are more likely to say their local economy has improved. Only 18% of RIAs in the West see regional improvement.

Perspective on Local Economy

All Respondents

Economic Trends

Over the next six months, RIAs surveyed forecast the following trends:

• Employment will continue to rise: 81%
• The housing market will soften: 69%
• Consumer savings will increase: 69%
• Consumer spending will increase: 43%
• Inflation will increase: 46%

Likelihood That Events Will Occur in the U.S. During the Next Six Months

All Respondents