Consumer Confidence Slips Again in February, According to CEA Indexes

Payroll tax increase, continued economic uncertainty likely impacting purchasing decisions

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Consumer confidence in the overall economy and sentiment toward technology both fell again in February, according to the latest figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®.

“Despite wealth gains from national real estate values rising and equity prices continuing to climb, consumers remain subdued.”

The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE), which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, fell 2.7 points in February to 165.3. Consumer confidence in the overall economy declined for the second consecutive month.

“Consumer sentiment slipped again in February for both the overall economy as well as consumers’ appetite to purchase tech – though some of the latter drop is likely related to seasonal factors as well,” said Shawn DuBravac, CEA’s chief economist and senior director of research. “Despite wealth gains from national real estate values rising and equity prices continuing to climb, consumers remain subdued.”

The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, fell 5.6 points in February to 77.4.

“The two percent payroll tax increase that went into effect at the beginning of the year is likely starting to have an impact on consumer purchasing decisions,” said DuBravac. “Moreover, consumers remain concerned about U.S. fiscal policy as they attempt to internalize the potential impact from the impeding federal budget sequestration.”

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 $209 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/.

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