Hong Kong consumers opt for balance.

On December 29, 2006, ACNielsen, one of the world's leading market research firms, released the results of its October/November online survey of consumer attitudes. Among the questions Nielsen asked were some inquiries about New Year's resolutions. Surprisingly, not every market of the 46 Nielsen surveyed reported a willingness to even make resolutions for the New Year. Hong Kong, however, was conspicuous for its high percentage of consumers who said the would make a resolution (84 percent). From this, Nielsen concluded that Hong Kong consumers "seem to be more committed to a better 2007." The worldwide average of consumers making a resolution was 56 percent.

Hong Kong consumers ranked number one in the survey in their desire to achieve a "better work/life balance." Interestingly, Hong Kong respondents said that they were resolved to change jobs during 2007. The score was tied with the number one resolution.

The second highest scoring Hong Kong resolution was a commitment to exercising more. The was the number one reason cited among all markets surveyed.

The lowest ranking New Year's resolution in Hong Kong was the desire to, "Go on a diet." In other parts of the world, dieting was rated between three and four places higher. Here the Hong Kong market is at odds with the building global trend toward health consciousness. A Nielsen spokesperson said the global findings overall, "Reinforce a global health and wellness trend that is getting close to the heart of consumers around the world and set us on a path to a better and healthier 2007."

Two other trends were ranked in the middle of Hong Kong consumer responses: Hobbies and quality family time. At the low end of the scale no one in the world appeared to commit strongly to "avoid disastrous personal relationships."