When consumers are optimistic they are willing to increase spending and incur debt to finance this spending. When consumers are pessimistic, they are more likely to cut back on spending, pay off debt and save. The CCI reflects consumers' attitudes toward the economy, local job markets and their own financial conditions. Data are obtained from a monthly household survey conducted by National Family Opinion, Inc., for The Conference Board. Surveys are mailed to approximately 5,000 households and approximately 80 percent respond.
Equal weighting is given to each of the five questions.
Positive responses are expressed as a percentage of the sum of the total positive and negative responses. Neutral answers are not counted. Comparisons of the index levels with previous periods indicate whether consumers are more optimistic or pessimistic than in past periods. The CCI is a seasonally-adjusted index and is available in two Conference Board monthly reports, the Consumer Confidence Survey and the Economic Times . Secondary sources include the Survey of Current Business .