Econoday Report: Consumer Confidence 31, 2006

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Consumer Confidence

Definition
The Conference Board compiles a survey of consumer attitudes on present economic conditions and expectations of future conditions. Five thousand consumers across the country are surveyed each month. While the level of consumer confidence is associated with consumer spending, the two do not move in tandem each and every month. Why Investors Care

Released on 1/31/06 For Jan 2006

Confidence Index, Level
Actual	106.3
Consensus	105.0
Consensus Range	102.0 to 106.0
Previous	98.9

Highlights
The Conference Board's consumer confidence showed solid strength in the month, at 106.3 vs. December's 103.8. January's level is the highest in 3-1/2 years. In more good news, jobs-hard-to-get, often an important reading for the financial markets, fell sharply to 20.3% vs. 22.5%. Jobs plentiful showed similar strength, rising to 26.9% from 23.3%.

Buying plans for automobiles rose sharply in the month perhaps reflecting new incentive promotions. Plans to buy a home remained flat, consistent with what appears to be a slowing in the sector.

Financial markets showed little initial reaction to the report which may nevertheless prove a plus for stocks and perhaps a minus for bonds. The jobs readings may raise hopes for Friday's monthly employment report, while the confidence readings may firm early expectations for a solid month in retail sales.

Market Consensus Before Announcement
The Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose 5.3 percentage points in December to 103.6. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index rose again in early January and this bodes well for The Conference Board's attitude survey. Labor market conditions are improving and gasoline prices have fallen from their highs.

Consumer confidence Consensus Forecast for Jan 06: 105
Range: 102 to 106

Trends

Typically retail sales will move in tandem with consumer optimism - although not necessarily each and every month.

Data Source: Haver Analytics

2006 Release Schedule

Released On: 1/31 2/28 3/28 4/25 5/30 6/27 7/25 8/29 9/26 10/31 11/28 12/28

Released For: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec