Research Findings Shows Large Boost in Confidence in the Economy

Survey of Washington business leaders by Hebert Research reports highest economic confidence rating in years

Bellevue based Hebert Research has been providing top quality market research to major companies in the Eastside and surrounding areas for over 30 years. For over a quarter of a century, the company, led by Jim Hebert has worked with local business leaders in providing a quarterly report of the forecasted health of the Washington economy.

Hebert Research’s most recent finding show a significant improvement in the health, and forecasted level of growth of local Washington businesses compared to previous quarters.” Overall confidence in the economy has increased nearly 10%, and outlooks among business leaders are significantly more positive. CEO Jim Hebert made note of this, stating “one of the highest since the company began.”

While an average estimated increase in revenue of 11.29%, this quarter saw no improvement over the findings earlier this year. Overall however, these reports are still higher than previous years, showing a slow but sure improvement in the economic recovery since the 2008 financial crisis.

While market outlook is high, changes to business cost and price fluctuation are at the lowest they have been in recent years. The average forecasted change in total costs went from 6.16% down to 3.82%. The forecasted change in price and fees also saw a decrease, going from 4.46% last quarter to 2.57%. Change in capital expenditures saw the biggest drop at 1.23% down from last quarter’s 5.11%. Overall these figures demonstrate that despite a healthy economic outlook, business projections expect little change in operations and pricing.

Additionally, business leaders gave feedback regarding their opinions and concerns regarding national and international factors. Moderate concern was expressed towards the effects China’s slowing economic growth, and their investment into Washington real estate will have on local businesses. The potential effects of the current drought was perceived as a bigger problem, with concerns about its possible causing wildfires and complicating local agriculture.

Hebert Research’s most recent findings will be featured on KOMO news. For more information tune in, or visit hebertresearch.com

About Hebert Research Inc

Hebert Research has been dedicated to providing our clients with a high return on investment in terms of information, insight and workable solutions to all kinds of business problems.

Hebert Research Inc
13629 NE Bel-Red Road
Bellevue, WA
98005