Consumer Confidence Remains High, Supported by Economic Recovery

July CCI Inches Up

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) edged higher in July, rising to 100.3 from a revised 97.8 in June. This increase reflects a mix of positive and negative economic indicators, including strong job growth and rising inflation.

CCI: A Gauge of Consumer Sentiment

The CCI is a widely followed measure of consumer sentiment, which gauges households' perceptions of current and future economic conditions. It is designed to provide insights into upcoming trends in consumer spending and saving.

The index is based on a monthly survey of 5,000 U.S. households, and is compiled by the Conference Board, a non-profit research organization.

Index Components

The CCI consists of five sub-indices:

• Expectations Index: Measures consumers' outlook for the next six months
• Present Situation Index: Assesses consumers' current financial situation and short-term economic outlook
• Employment Index: Indicates consumers' views on the labor market
• Income Index: Measures consumers' perceptions of their income and job security
• Buying Conditions Index: Gauges consumers' assessment of the current conditions for making major purchases

Recent Trends

In the past year, the CCI has fluctuated within a narrow range. Despite rising inflation and supply chain disruptions, consumer confidence remains relatively high, supported by strong job growth and wage gains.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, consumer confidence in Vietnam rose significantly, indicating optimism about the country's economic recovery.

Impact on Businesses

Consumer confidence is a key driver of economic growth, as it influences consumer spending and investment decisions. High consumer confidence typically leads to increased spending, boosting economic activity.

Businesses can use the CCI to assess consumer sentiment and adjust their marketing and product development strategies accordingly.