User:International trade2010/Travelex Confidence Index

'Bold text' Travelex Confidence Index is

The Travelex Confidence Index (TCI) is a key economic barometer for UK international trade, offering a snapshot of UK importers and exporters views on international trade conditions and the economic recovery. It also explores the affect fiscal tightening has on importers and exporters and their expectations for business growth over the next 6 to 12 months.

With an export-led recovery at the forefront of the UK’s economic policy, it has become more important than ever to understand the opinions of the UK’s importers and exporters, as they are the businesses driving our economic growth.

Contents 1.	Sample 2.	Methodology 3.	Media Coverage 4.	External Links

Sample

The Travelex Confidence Index is conducted for Travelex Global Business Payments by TNS-RI, the global research company.

200 senior decision makers at UK companies (e.g. Financial Director’s, Chief Financial Officer’s etc) with up to £100m turnover are interviewed each month. All of the companies interviewed are independent from Travelex’s business client base.

The sample is drawn from importers and exporters based across England, Scotland and Wales and across a range of industries like manufacturing, retail and wholesale.

Methodology

The sample is interviewed each month using the CATI technique (Computer Assisted Technology Interviews), to ensure a more thorough interview. The overall confidence index is made up of three indices that ask the respondents opinions about the following:

The International Trade Index This index measures importers’ and exporters’ views on international trade conditions and general economic growth.

The Current Situation Index This index measures importers’ and exporters’ views on current government policies and availability of business credit.

The Expectations Index This index measures importers’ and exporters’ views on whether international trade conditions will improve in the next twelve months and whether their business will see growth in its international activity.

Media Coverage The Travelex Confidence Index has been widely followed in the media, including the BBC, CNBC, The Times, FT Adviser, Interactive Investor and the Evening Standard, amongst others.