Survey of Consumer Attitudes and Behavior, October 2003

This survey was undertaken to measure changes in consumer attitudes and expectations, to understand why such changes occur, and to evaluate how they relate to consumer decisions to save, borrow, or make discretionary purchases. This type of information is essential for forecasting changes in aggregate consumer behavior. Since the 1940s, these surveys have been produced quarterly through 1977 and monthly thereafter. The surveys conducted in 2003 focused on topics such as evaluations and expectations about personal finances, employment, price changes, and the national business situation. Additional questions inquired about buying intentions for automobiles and computers, and the respondents' appraisals of present market conditions for purchasing houses, automobiles, computers, and other durables. Also explored in this survey were respondents' types of savings and financial investments, loan use, family income and sources of income, and respondents' ownership, lease, and use of automobiles. Other topics typically include respondents' use of personal computers at home and in the office, respondents' familiarity with and use of the Internet, electronic banking, and information on informed consent and confidentiality regarding the survey. Demographic information includes ethnic origin, sex, age, marital status, and education.