Key Economic Indicators
Consumer Confidence Index
The Consumer Confidence Index is an indicator of consumer spending and confidence in the economy. The Consumer Confidence Index steadily declined during the second half of 2000. The index was level during the first 8 months of 2001, but dropped sharply following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. Following a brief growth period, it declined again during the buildup to, and execution of, Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF); however, in the month following the end to the OIF (April 2003) consumer confidence grew by 31.9%. In recent months, the index has slowly fell as concerns about the job market continue to persist.
The Consumer Confidence survey is conducted for The Conference Board by NFO Research, Inc., an NFO Worldwide Company. Questionnaires are mailed to a nationwide representative sample of 5,000 households, of which roughly 3,500 typically respond. Each month, a different panel of 5,000 households is surveyed.
