Consumer Confidence

Source: The Conference Board.
Release Time: 10:00 ET on the last Tuesday of the month (data for current month).
Web: http://www.tcb-indicators.org/

Consumer Confidence is based on a monthly survey of 5000 households. The report reflects changes in consumption patterns. Index changes of at least five points are considered significant. The index consists of two subindexes: consumers' appraisal of current conditions (40% of the total index) and future expectations (60% of the total index). Moving averages of 3-6 months are sometimes used to spot changes in trend and eliminate noise. The Federal Reserve pays close attention to Consumer Confidence when determining interest rates.

See also: University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index