A study released today by BMO Private Bank has revealed that affluent Arizonans are optimistic about what the future holds for the U.S. economy.  The study is the second in a series by BMO Private Bank examining trends among high-net worth individuals (those with investible assets of $1 million or more) in Arizona and across the country.

According to the study, 65 percent of Arizona’s affluent expect the U.S. economy to improve over the next year. Additionally, almost half (48 percent) say they are financially better off now than they were before the 2008 recession.

Other key highlights of the study include:

* Affluent Arizonans consider stocks (65 percent) and real estate (58 percent) as the investments most likely to deliver solid returns in the next five years.
* They see the health sector (83 percent) as the most promising in which to invest, followed by the energy and technology sectors (73 percent each). They are least optimistic about the mining (40 percent) and agricultural (28 percent) sectors.
* Arizona’s affluent are spending more or the same since before the recession on entertainment/leisure activities (88 percent) and vacations (85 percent).

“Confidence in the economy has given Arizona’s wealthy greater peace of mind,” said Mike Sullivan, CFA, Regional Director – Investments, Western US, BMO Private Bank. “They are relaxing more, spending more, and making more thoughtful decisions about their investment strategies – all of which will continue to help stimulate economic growth within the state.”

On a national level, the study found:

* Almost two-thirds (61 percent) of high-net worth Americans say they are better off today than they were before the recession.
* Sixty percent of the nation’s affluent are optimistic about what the future holds for the U.S. economy.
* They are most bullish about the technology (80 percent), health (78 percent) and energy (77 percent) sectors and least optimistic about the prospects for the manufacturing (50 percent), agricultural (46 percent) and mining (43 percent) sectors.
* They are spending more money or the same amount as before September 2008 in a number of areas, including:

* Entertainment and leisure activities (86 percent)
* Travel and vacations (83 percent)
* Club memberships (81 percent)
* Collections and hobbies (80 percent)
* Clothing and accessories (77 percent)