Spectrem Group's Millionaire Investor Confidence Index Dips in August Amid Uncertain Climate for Investing; Politics Continue to Dominate Economic Outlook

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - September 05, 2017) - A turbulent month in politics contributed to ongoing investor uncertainty about the direction of the American economy in August, Spectrem Group reported today in its High Net Worth Insights newsletter. While the Spectrem Affluent Investor Confidence Index (SAICI®) increased one point to 7, it was offset by the Spectrem Millionaire Investor Confidence Index (SMICI®), which decreased two points to 10. It is the first decline in the SMICI since May. Both indices now stand in neutral territory.

The monthly Spectrem Investor Confidence indices track changes in investment sentiment among the 17MM households in America with more than $500,000 of investable assets (SAICI), and those with $1MM or more (SMICI). This month's survey was fielded between Aug. 16-22.

Historically, the Spectrem indices show greater investment optimism among Millionaires than non-Millionaires, but the August returns show an improved optimism among non-Millionaires and a slight decrease in optimism among Millionaires. Only 43.9 percent of non-Millionaires said they would avoid investing in the coming month, a drop from 52.3 percent in July.

Asked to name the story most affecting their economic outlook, 40 percent of investors responded with "political environment,'' which has been consistent throughout 2017. In August, no other answer garnered more than 14 percent of selections (international problems received 14 percent of the votes).

The Spectrem Household Outlook, which measures long-term confidence in four financial factors that impact a household's daily economic life, saw non-Millionaires with a higher confidence rating than Millionaires. That rarely happens; the last time was in October of 2016.

"Volatility is generally low in August, as it is a slow month economically, and Congress is on its summer recess,'' said Spectrem President George H. Walper, Jr. "However, this year we experienced rising tensions with North Korea, fallout from Charlottesville and ongoing tensions between the President and Congress about health care, tax reform and the border wall with Mexico. It is a time of social and political uncertainty, and the indices reflect that."

Charts, including a deeper analysis of the Index and its methodology, are available upon request. Additional insights include:

• Index Suffers From Uncertainty

Index range: -31 to -51, Bearish; -11 to -30, Mildly Bearish; 10 to -10, Neutral; 11 to 30, Mildly Bullish; 31 to 51, Bullish.

About Spectrem Group: Spectrem Group (www.spectrem.com) strategically analyzes its ongoing primary research with investors to assist financial providers and advisors in understanding the Voice of the Investor.