2019 CIRT Sentiment Index: Fourth Quarter Report
In comparison with the last quarter, the fourth quarter of 2019 showed a pronounced decrease in the CIRT Sentiment Index as well as some decline in the Design Index. The CIRT Sentiment Index fell from 64.9 to 57.6, whereas the Design Index reflected a less dramatic loss, from 63.2 to 60.9. The downward trend in the scores represents the elusiveness of the market leading into 2020.
This quarter our current trends questions focused on positive and negative impacts that could affect the U.S. economic and business conditions leading into 2020. Overall, respondents believe that U.S. monetary policy, the results of the U.S. presidential and congressional elections, and private sector investments are the top three factors that could influence a positive economic climate. In comparison, the U.S. presidential and congressional elections, trade agreements and unemployment rates were identified as the top three factors that could influence a negative economic climate in 2020
