Arlington, Va . – Consumer confidence in technology and the
overall economy increased in April, according to the latest CEA Indexes
released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), which
measures consumer expectations about technology spending, increased four points
this month to 82.4, growing for the second consecutive month, and coming in 10
points higher than this time last year.
“New model and product launches making headlines this month
are likely driving consumer interest in spending on consumer tech,” said Shawn
DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and research director. “New models for
traditional categories, together with tablets, smartphones and gaming devices,
have raised consumer sentiment heading into the second quarter of the year.”
Consumers are also feeling more confident about the overall
direction of the economy. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) rose
five points in April to 166.2. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations
about the broader economy, is up for the first time since January and is more
than two points higher than this time last year.
“Consumer sentiment improved this month despite continued
concerns and uncertainty over the stability of U.S. credit quality,” said
DuBravac. “But Americans are feeling more confident about the job market as
companies indicate an increasing willingness to hire, easing concerns and
leading to greater confidence in the economy.”
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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