The Economy Remains the Main Concern Around the World, Shaping 2011 New Year's Resolutions

New SSI Study Shows the Majority of People across the Globe Are Focused on Improving the Economy and Their Own Financial Situations

SHELTON, Connecticut, December 23, 2010 - The economy remains the number one priority on the global stage. More
than half of participants in a new global survey by Survey Sampling
International (SSI) cite "improving the economy" as the most important issue
to tackle in 2011. Members of SSI's online research panels in 8 countries
chose the economy as their top concern from a list of 8 issues, including
reforming healthcare, preserving the environment, preventing terrorism,
reforming education, monitoring the food industry, improving relations with
other countries and preparing for natural disasters. Respondents from Japan
(71%) and the US (70%) are most focused on today's economic challenges.

Germany is the only country where respondents do not see the economy as
the primary issue for their government to address. More than a quarter of
German respondents say that "reforming healthcare" should be the government's
chief concern. Australian respondents also are worried about healthcare,
splitting their votes fairly evenly between the economy (34 %) and healthcare
(31%).

SSI's findings are based on an Internet study of 4,000+ adults on its
online panels. Countries covered include the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan,
Australia, China, and Singapore. SSI offers extensive worldwide reach to
support survey research through SSI Dynamix(TM), its dynamic sampling
platform that links to its proprietary online panels, as well as Web sites,
social media, affiliate partnerships and more.

Economic Worries Shape New Year's Resolutions

Survey participants' economic fears are reflected in their New Year's
resolutions. "Improving financial situation" is among the top-two resolutions
globally. Around the world, 40% of respondents are resolving to improve their
financial situations in 2011. The sole exception is Japan, where only a
quarter of panelists are focusing their resolutions on financial issues.

Although the economy is on almost everyone's mind, it is not the only
concern driving New Year's resolutions. In the US, UK, Germany, France and
Australia, "losing weight" is as likely to be the top resolution as
"improving financial situation." "Developing a healthy habit" and "getting
organized" also are top choices for New Year's resolutions around the globe.

People Remain Optimistic Despite Economic Concerns

Although economic worries linger, people across the globe are optimistic
when looking forward to 2011. More than twice as many respondents expect to
be "much or somewhat better off" next year than those who anticipate being
"much or somewhat worse off."

Chinese and Singaporean respondents are most optimistic about their
prospects, with 77% and 65% of respondents respectively believing their
financial pictures will improve in 2011. In contrast, France and Japan have
the highest levels of pessimism, with 29% and 32% respectively expecting
declines in their financial situations and less than a quarter anticipating
improvement. UK respondents are evenly split between economic optimists (29%)
and pessimists (32%).

Less than Half of Respondents in Many Countries Plan on Making Major
Purchases

Although there is general optimism in most countries, respondents still
are not ready to plan for major purchases. Less than half of the respondents
in the US (43%), Germany (43%), France (47%), UK (48%) and Japan (48%) say
that they will buy a computer, flat screen TV, car, boat or home in 2011.

The picture is far brighter in China, where 85% of respondents plan a
major purchase in 2011 and Singapore, where 73% are looking forward to buying
big ticket items. The financial optimism among respondents in these countries
appears to be translating into purchase plans, perhaps due to the perceived
need for technology items, such as laptops.

About Survey Sampling International

Survey Sampling International (www.surveysampling.com) is the
premier global provider of sampling solutions for survey research. SSI
reaches respondents in 72 countries via Internet, telephone and
mobile/wireless. Client services include questionnaire design consultation,
programming and hosting, and data processing. SSI serves more than 2,000
clients, including 48 of the top 50 research organizations. Founded in 1977,
SSI has 17 offices in 15 countries.

Ilene Siegalovsky, Vice President, Global Marketing, +1-203-567-7230, ilene_siegalovsky at surveysampling.com