C-Meter: November 2003

This month's Confidence Meter poll reached a milestone: IT executives are more optimistic about their own companies' economic situation than at any time since we initiated our survey in May 2001. Respondents rated their prospects a 6.9 on a 1-to-10 scale; financial industry executives were particularly bullish, at 7.5. Our respondents also rated both the overall economy and their own industries a 6.3, the highest rating since June and May 2002, respectively. This took place against a backdrop of mostly positive economic news: While the unemployment rate remained at 6.1 percent, the Federal Reserve reported that the pace of economic expansion was quickening and consumer spending was increasing.