TV-Buying Intentions Increased in February, Conference Board Reports

Consumer intentions to buy TV sets increased in February compared with January, according to preliminary data in the Conference Board’s monthly survey. Nielsen canvassed 5,000 consumers for the board through Feb. 16. The company found 12.6 percent said they plan to buy a TV set in the next six months, up from 12 percent in January, but down from 13.6 percent in December and 13.6 percent in February 2016, the board reported Tuesday. Its Consumer Confidence Index increased in February and remains at a 15-year high, it said: “Consumers rated current business and labor market conditions more favorably this month than in January. Expectations improved regarding the short-term outlook for business, and to a lesser degree jobs and income prospects. Overall, consumers expect the economy to continue expanding in the months ahead.”