Consumer Confidence Jumps in May, According to CEA-CNET Indexes

Confidence in Consumer Electronics Remains High
ARLINGTON, Va.--(Business Wire)--
Consumer confidence in the overall economy moved up sharply in May, according to
figures released today by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). The
CEA-CNET Indexes also show that consumers continue to feel more confident about
future spending on technology and consumer electronics (CE).

The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE) climbed in May, reaching
174.6, up nearly six points from last month. The ICE, which measures consumers`
confidence in the overall economy, is at its highest level since February 2008
and up over eleven points year-over-year.

"We see significant indications that consumers believe an economic recovery is
underway," said Shawn DuBravac, CEA`s director of research and economist.
"Consumers are showing increasing signs of optimism as both their outlook for
the economy and their personal financial health improve."

Confidence in technology and consumer electronics also reached its highest level
of the year. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE)
climbed to 81.1, an increase of nearly four points from last month. The ICTE,
which measures consumer confidence in technology and consumer electronics, is
nearly eight percent higher than the same period last year.

"Consumer spending on technology appears to have bottomed," said DuBravac.
"While the economy continues to deteriorate, albeit at a slower rate, consumer
spending generally and specifically consumer spending on technology are likely
beginning to rebound, which is inline with the timing of consumer spending in
past recessions."

The CEA-CNET Indexes are comprised of the ICE and the ICTE, both of which are
updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the
fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA and CNET have been tracking index data since
January 2007. To find current and past indexes, charts, methodology and future
release dates, log on to www.CEACNETindexes.org.

About CNET:

CNET (www.CNET.com), a property of CBS Interactive, is where people go to
discover the latest in tech and consumer electronics. Driven by a trusted voice
and a passionate community, CNET creates an open environment for people to find
and use the best products to fit their lifestyle. The powerful combination of
CNET's award-winning news, lab-tested product reviews, safe and spyware-free
downloads, and user-generated content give people information and inspiration to
live and thrive in a life gone digital.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association
promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More
than 2,200 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative
advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion
and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and
manages the International CES - Where Entertainment, Technology and Business
Converge. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA`s industry services. Find
CEA online at www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

* CONNECTIONSTM: The Digital Living Conference and Showcase
June 2 - 4, 2009, Santa Clara, CA
* CEA Line Shows and Digital Downtown Conference Program
June 10-11, 2009, New York, NY
* 13th Annual CEO Summit
June 17-20, 2009, Dana Point, CA
* SINOCES 2009
July 9-12, Qingdao, China
* 2009 CEA Industry Forum
October 18-21, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
* 2009 i-stage
October 19, 2009, Phoenix, AZ
* Digital Hollywood Fall
October 19-22, 2009, Los Angeles, CA
* CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
November 10, 2009, New York, NY
* Future of Television East
November 18-19, 2009, New York, NY
* 2010 International CES
January 7-10, 2010, Las Vegas, NV

CEA
Steve Kidera
703-907-4358
skidera@CE.org
www.CE.org
or
CNET
Jenifer Concepcion
415-344-2441
Jenifer.Concepcion@cbs.com
www.CNET.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009