Arlington, Va. – Consumer confidence in technology increased
in May, while consumer confidence in the overall economy dropped, according to
the latest CEA Index released today from the Consumer Electronics Association
(CEA).
The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE)
reached 88.2 in May, an increase of nearly four points from last month. The
ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, is up
seven points from this time last year.
“The sharp upward move in sentiment we saw in May continues
the positive year-over-year trend we’ve witnessed for the last several months,”
said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and research senior director.
Consumer confidence in the overall economy, however, fell in
May. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) fell three points in May to
167.8, marking the fourth straight month of decline. The ICE, which measures
consumer expectations about the broader economy, remains almost four points
higher than this time last year.
“Recent sluggishness in the labor market, combined with
continued malaise in Europe, is keeping sentiment in check,” said DuBravac.
“While sentiment declined again this month, consumers remain more optimistic
about the economy than they were a year ago.”
The CEA Indexes comprise the ICE and ICTE, both of which are
updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on
the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA has been tracking index data since
January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future
release dates, log on to
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