Consumer confidence toward economy and technology remain steady

ARLINGTON, USA: Consumer confidence toward the overall economy and technology spending in December both remain steady with last month's elevated sentiment levels, according to the latest figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).

The CEA Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE), which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, increased by 0.1 point in December to reach 168.5, staying consistent with last month's ICE.

"Consumers are closing out the year with a decidedly optimistic view as sentiment recovers lost ground from declines earlier this year," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA's chief economist and senior director of research. "Recent announcements regarding Federal Reserve policy, as well as improving economic fundamentals, reaffirms 2014 will begin on more solid footing than we've seen in the last five years."

The CEA Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), which measures consumer expectations about technology spending, fell by 2.7 points in December to 90.2.

"Despite a small decrease, December sentiment levels are holding the positive momentum gained in October and November," said DuBravac. "We are watching tech sentiment closely as key areas of growth - namely tablets and smartphones - will begin to slow naturally in 2014. However, several areas, such as wearable tech devices, will see gains as consumer awareness around these products continues to increase."

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.