Ipsos/RBC Consumer Outlook Index: February 2014

Washington, D.C. - February 2014 sees minimal change in consumer confidence as measured by the RBC Consumer Outlook Index. However, the stability in the overall index obscures several countervailing trends observed in the consumer data. Specifically, employment confidence is weaker as seasonal holiday employment ends but consumers are reporting stronger local economies and personal finances as the national economy continues to heal.

The overall RBC Consumer Outlook Index stands at 50.4, down 1.1 points from last month.

• The RBC Jobs Index is the biggest mover this month, down 3.6 points from last month's mark to stand at 58.3. While this is down from the last two months, the index remains above the mark from this time last year.
• The RBC Current Conditions Index shows little movement, down 0.6 points to 41.0. Most of this is driven by the influence of employment security on current conditions.
• The RBC Investment Index is stable this month standing at 44.4.
• The RBC Expectations Index also shows no movement holding at 57.9.
• The RBC Inflation Index continues to hold steadily, rising only 0.1 points in February. This is the fifth consecutive month with relatively mild inflation pressures.

More data and full technical details are available in the topline document attached.

For more information on this news release please contact:

Chris Jackson Research Director Ipsos Public Affairs 202.420.2011 [email protected]

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