Accountants’ Confidence Wobbles Slightly Going into 2014

The accounting profession's expectations for economic growth wobbled slightly, but remained positive for the fourth month in a row, according to the January edition of Accounting Today’s monthly Accountants Confidence Index.

The 3-Month and the 6-Month ACI had risen somewhat over the summer months before sinking sharply for September, with the short-term figure dipping below the 50 mark that is the dividing line between expectations of growth and expectations of contraction. Starting in October, however, both ACIs recovered, only to dip slightly for December – though they remained above 50.

The 3-Month ACI came in at 50.52, down from 51.39, while the 6-Month ACI hit 52.50, down from 53.60.

Most of the index components dipped slightly, with the largest decline in panelists’ expectations for large businesses –- perhaps in response to concerns about holiday sales.

More details are available in this month’s interactive online report.

Created in partnership with ADP, the ACI is a monthly economic indicator that leverages the insights of accountants into the strength and prospects of businesses in the U.S.

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