Survey: Missourians' economic optimism growing

Missourians now feel 10 percent more optimistic about the economy than they did in the fall, according to Arvest Bank’s third Consumer Sentiment Index.

Released today, the study indicates Show-Me State respondents feel more hopeful than those in Arkansas and Oklahoma. 

Missouri’s overall consumer sentiment index moved up 7.8 points to 85.2 percent for the spring, from 77.4 in October, according to a news release.

The regional index increased to 83.2 from 72.6. The national index dipped slightly to 85.3 for March compared to 86.9 in October. The Oklahoma index reached 84.8 in March, up from 72.6 in October, while the Arkansas index jumped to 79.1 from 68.1.

“The first data out of 2015 shows that consumers in Missouri are continuing to gain confidence in the state of the economy,” said David Mitchell, director of the Bureau of Economic Research at Missouri State University, in the release. “Consumer sentiment in Missouri has improved 16.6 points since this time last year, while the consumer sentiment for the U.S. has only increased by 13.4 points during this same time frame.”

Conducted by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas Sam W. Walton College of Business, the study analyzes the results of 1,200 phone surveys performed by the University Oklahoma’s public opinion learning laboratory, according to a news release.  

The methodology was developed by the University of Michigan for its national Index of Consumer Sentiment and is based on five questions that evaluate consumer perceptions. Respondents answered questions regarding their current and future finances, current and future business conditions, plans to purchase major household items, current level of consumer debt, current and planned savings, and demographic information.