CEA: CEA-CNET Indexes

CEA-CNET Consumer Sentiment Indexes

Current Report

The CEA-CNET Consumer Sentiment Indexes represent more than three years of research into cutting-edge methods for measuring consumer expectations about the future. The indexes measure how consumers perceive the overall health of the economy and the outlook for technology spending. Both indexes focus on consumer perceptions of the future. These forward looking expectations provide market observers valuable information into how consumers will likely behave over the pursuing months.

As the October report highlights, consumer expectations dipped to one of its lowest points since inception. Given the events over the past few weeks, it is not surprising that consumers are particularly concerned about their job security and personal financial health. Consumer spending for technology also took a hit this past month, putting it below the levels during the same period last year.

Read Full Report | Press Release

Index Methodology

The CEA-CNET Consumer Sentiment Indexes was designed to improve on weaknesses of the University of Michigan's Index of Consumer Sentiment and the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index by asking consumers about their expectations in the form of subjective probabilities. Learn more about the methodology.

About the CEA-CNET Consumer Sentiment Indexes

In 2005, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® in partnership with CNET began testing a measure of consumer sentiment through a survey of individuals in CNET’s then maintained CEA|CNET Tech First Panel. Beginning in January 2007, CEA and CNET began fielding a similar series of questions on a monthly basis through a random-digit-dial phone survey. These questions gauge consumer sentiment on the broader economy in general and technology specifically and have since collectively become the CEA-CNET Consumer Sentiment Indexes. More background on the launch of the indexes.

About CEA
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $161 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – Where Entertainment, Technology and Business Converge.

About CNET
CNET, a property of CBS Interactive, is where people go to discover the latest in tech and consumer electronics. Driven by a trusted voice and a passionate community, CNET creates an open environment for people to find and use the best products to fit their lifestyle. The powerful combination of CNET's award-winning news, lab-tested product reviews, safe and spyware-free downloads, and user-generated content give people information and inspiration to live and thrive in a life gone digital.