Consumer confidence unchanged in December: Latest CEA-CNET indexes

ARLINGTON, USA: Consumer confidence in the overall economy remained level in December, while confidence in consumer electronics (CE) and technology declined from last month’s record high, according to figures released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET.

The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) reached 165.2 in December, unchanged from November. The ICE, which measures consumer expectations about the broader economy, is down 2.7 points from this time last year.

“Consumers remain concerned about the overall health of the economy and are keeping a close eye on spending,” said Anne Claudio, vice president of research at CBS Interactive. “Instability in market forces continues to drive consumers’ worries about their own personal financial stability and will impact consumer spending now and potentially into 2010.”

Consumer confidence in technology and CE dropped nearly seven points this month to 86.8. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE), is up 8.5 points from this time last year and is at the second highest level of the year. The ICTE measures consumer confidence in technology and consumer electronics.

“Many consumers purchased their electronics on Black Friday when manufacturers and retail stores offered deep discounts,” said Claudio. “Consumer electronics remain a must-have gift this holiday and a bright spot in the overall economy.”