Personal Finances #1 Cause of Stress for Consumers Even as Their Confidence in the Economy Rises

COLUMBUS, OH--(Marketwire - July 12, 2007) - Consumer confidence is building a little momentum according to BIGresearch's latest Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey (CIA). Almost half (47.8%) of the 8,290 consumers who participated in the survey said they were confident/very confident in the chances for a strong economy, rising four points from June.

Even with confidence up, 40.4% of consumers say that their personal finances cause them the most stress, indicating that they may begin focusing on controlling their spending. However, only 33.8% say they will concentrate on paying down debt (down from June at 35.2%) while 26.9% plan to increase their savings.

"This week, Fed Chairman Bernanke discussed the importance of understanding consumer expectations as an important element that drives our economy," said Phil Rist, EVP / Strategy of BIGresearch. "The issue to watch is how long consumers can maintain their spending lifestyle before the stress level reaches a breaking point."

Also inside the BIGresearch July Briefing:

--  Is the new iPhone the Apple of consumers' eyes? 93.5% say no.
--  What's casting a spell over consumers?  Alternative fuels or the new
    "Harry Potter" tome?
--  90 Day Outlook brightens from '06 for all categories
--  Everything you ever wanted to know about Shoes & Handbags
    

About BIGresearch

BIGresearch is a market intelligence firm providing analysis of consumer behavior in areas of retail, financial services, automotive, and media. They conduct the Consumer Intentions and Actions (CIA) Survey which monitors the pulse of more than 8,000 consumers each month. The CIA delivers current, demand-based information on where the retail consumer is shopping and their changing behavior. The data provides intelligence on where the retail consumer is going, their intentions and actions.

BIGresearch's methodology provides the most accurate consumer information in the industry with a margin of error of +/- 1 percent.

Contact Information: Contact: Chrissy Wissinger BIGresearch 450 West Wilson Bridge Road Suite 370 Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 846-0146