Economy worries most of the globe

The economy remains the number one priority on the global stage. More than half of participants in a new global survey by Survey Sampling International (SSI) cite "improving the economy" as the most important issue to tackle in 2011.Members of SSI's online research panels in 8 countries chose the economy as their top concern from a list of eight issues, including reforming healthcare, preserving the environment, preventing terrorism, reforming education, monitoring the food industry, improving relations with other countries and preparing for natural disasters. Respondents from Japan (71%) and the U.S. (70%) are most focused on today's economic challenges. Germany is the only country where respondents do not see the economy as the primary issue for their government to address. More than a quarter of German respondents say that "reforming healthcare" should be the government's chief concern. Australian respondents also are worried about healthcare, splitting their votes fairly evenly between the economy (34 %) and healthcare (31%). SSI's findings are based on an Internet study of 4,000+ adults on its online panels. Countries covered include the U.S, U.K, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, China, and Singapore. Survey participants' economic fears are reflected in their New Year's resolutions. "Improving financial situation" is among the top-two resolutions globally. Around the world, 40% of respondents are resolving to improve their financial situations in 2011. The sole exception is Japan, where only a quarter of panelists are focusing their resolutions on financial issues. Although the economy is on almost everyone's mind, it is not the only concern driving New Year's resolutions. In the US, UK, Germany, France and Australia, "losing weight" is as likely to be the top resolution as "improving financial situation."

********** Published: December 23, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 36