Arlington, Va. — Consumer sentiment toward technology spending and the overall economy is higher than this time last year, according to the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, increased 0.3 points in January to reach 88.9, up 5.2 points from the year-ago month.
“Momentum from the holiday season is spilling into the new year, with consumer confidence toward technology spending retaining the record-high levels established last month,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA chief economist.
The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE), which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, fell 2.2 points from December to 177.9; however, this month’s ICE was up 10.6 points compared to January 2014.
“The higher-than-normal economic sentiment is buoyed by low gasoline prices and a conducive economic environment for the consumer in the new year,” said DuBravac.
The indexes are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future release dates, visit www. CEAindexes.org.
