India was the most buoyant, with about 89 per cent expecting the country's economy to improve further, followed by Thailand at 84 per cent, and Malaysia at 76 per cent.
In Hong Kong, one of the markets hardest-hit by Sars earlier this year, 67 per cent believed that the current recovery would continue into 2004, up from 56 per cent in May, when the survey was previously conducted.
ACNielsen North Asia managing director Fung Shing Kwong said: "Luxury products, clothing, travel and advanced technology companies in Hong Kong are believed to be gearing up to spend more on advertising.
"The city's position was also helped by the Government's relaxation of rules governing mainland tourism to Hong Kong and the closer economic partnership between the territory and China."
Advertising and media agencies in Hong Kong have also expressed optimism.
Optimedia Hong Kong managing director Steven Chang said that there were other indicators which would show that a rebound was likely soon.
"At present, the stock and property markets are picking up, giving consumers some longer term optimism. As a result, advertisers are likely to be spending more," he said.
The study also hinted at an impending shopping spree, as nearly 90 per cent of respondents said that they planned to spend part of their spare cash after covering essential living expenses.
Items at the top of people's shopping lists include new technology gadgets - including items such as personal computers, mobile phones, digital cameras and flat-screen TVs - followed by out-of-home entertainment and clothing.
Following a long period of belt-tightening because of Sars, Hong Kong consumers showed the strongest spending appetite, mainly for clothes and out-of-home entertainment.
However, unlike the Sars period, when people showed a preference for local or short holiday trips, this time, only 13 per cent said they would sign up for such tours, down from 32 per cent previously.
Instead, people in Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong appeared ready to spend on international travel, indicating the release of a pent-up desire to go on longer-haul trips.
Similar to the results of the last survey, respondents indicated they intended to keep their money liquid, although the appetite for investment in shares and portfolio instruments has grown.
When it came to what people were most concerned about, health overtook the economy at the top of the worry list.
The survey canvassed the opinions of more than 7,300 people across 13 markets in October.