Consumer Confidence in Economy, Technology Increase in December, According to CEA

ARLINGTON, Va. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Consumer confidence in technology reached a yearly high in December, while confidence in the overall economy also improved this month, according to data release today from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®.

Consumer confidence in technology reached its highest level of the year and second highest level ever this month. The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) reached 93.6, up more than two points from last month. The ICTE, which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, is nearly even with this time last year, when the ICTE reached a record-high of 93.7.

“Technology continues to be the leading category for shoppers during the holiday season and this year was no exception,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and director of research. “Looking ahead to 2012, consumer tech remains well positioned compared to all other durable good categories.”

Confidence in the economy also increased this month after reaching an all-time low in November. The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 170.7, an increase of more than 14 points. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is at its highest point since February but remains down four points from this time last year.

“The holiday season closed out on a strong note with consumers feeling more optimistic about the overall economy than they have in months,” said DuBravac. “While the economic landscape will remain rocky for 2012, December’s numbers show signs of hope as we head into the New Year.”

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 CEAindexes.org.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $190 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also owns and produces the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org, www.DeclareInnovation.com and through social media: https://www.facebook.com/#!/CEAfeed, http://twitter.com/ceafeed, http://blog.ce.org/.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES
  January 8, 2012, Las Vegas, NV
• 2012 International CES
  January 10-13, 2012, Las Vegas, NV
• Digital Music Forum East
  February 22 - 23, 2012, New York, NY
• CEA Economic Retreat
  February 28 - March 2, 2012, Vail, CO
• LA Games Conference
  April 23 - 24, 2012, Los Angeles, CA
• CES on the Hill
  April 24, 2012, Washington, D.C.
• Digital Patriots Dinner
  April 25, 2012, Washington, D.C.

• 2012 Spring Technology & Standards Forum
  May 14 - 18, 2012, Dallas, TX
• CE Week
  June 25 - 29, 2012, New York, NY
• CEA Line Shows
  June 27 - 28, 2012, New York, NY
• iStage Competition
  June 2012, New York, NY
• 2012 SINOCES
  July 5 – 8, 2012, Qingdao, China
• CEA Industry Forum
  October 14 - 17, 2012, San Francisco, CA
• CEO Summit and Board Retreat
  October 17 - 19, 2012, CA
• CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled@NY
  November 12, 2012, New York, NY