From Gloom to Bloom: Forecast Predicts Rosy 2003

The consensus continues to build toward recovery in 2003, but with a handful of categories leading the climb back, some markets will benefit more than others, according to a new forecast by research firm Global Insight.

Among the findings: 2003 U.S. ad spending will rise 6 percent from 2002 to $242 billion and will increase by similar percentages through 2006, with spending in Atlanta, Orange County, Calif., and Tampa, Fla., expected to grow the most.

The rosy outlook, the first foray into adspend prediction by Lexington, Mass.-based