The Consumer Sentiment Index, initiated in January 1988, is a series of surveys conducted quarterly on a sample of over 1000 households in Peninsular Malaysia to gauge consumer spending trends and sentiments. Consumer behaviour reflects income level and general economic conditions. Together with the business conditions survey, findings of this survey relating to consumer spending are incorporated into MIER's short-term economic outlook report.

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Respondents are asked about their perceptions on household's current and expected financial positions and their employment outlook. The survey also seeks to uncover general economic conditions such as inflation as seen from the consumers' perspective. Questions relating to their plans to buy houses, new or used cars and other major consumer durable are also asked. A quarterly Index of Consumer Sentiments is generated from the survey.