The Consumer Expectations Survey is a monthly survey that aims to capture consumer sentiment in relation to the general state of the economy and their personal finances.
When consumers are satisfied and optimistic in relation to the future, they spend more. When consumers are dissatisfied and pessimistic, they spend less. Consumer confidence therefore acts as a factor that reduces or induces economic growth. Monitoring consumer sentiment aims to signal future spending and saving decisions, which are useful indicators in forecasting the short-term direction of the economy.
Inspired by the consumer confidence indexes calculated in the USA and Europe, the survey obtains consumer assessments and forecasts in respect to the local economic situation and that of their own family at the time of the survey and for the upcoming six months. It also covers the labor market and intentions to buy high-value goods in the following six months, in addition to other questions.
Started in 2002, the survey methodology was revised in October 2005, when it was adjusted to the best and most recent international practices. Data collection involves a network of over 2,000 informants in seven of the main Brazilian state capitals: Belo Horizonte, Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. The margin of error is 2.2% and probabilistic reliability is 95%
Main Uses:
Anticipating short term economic developments.
Geographic Coverage:
Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador.
Collection Period:
The first three weeks of each month.
Frequency:
Monthly.
Historical Series:
September 2005.