Zeta Global, a leader in AI-powered marketing, today unveiled the Zeta Economic Index (ZEI) for December 2024. The ZEI is one of the first AI-driven economic indexes, utilizing Zeta's Generative AI technology and real-time consumer data from over 240 million US consumers. It provides valuable insights into the current state and trajectory of the US economy.

Key Highlights from December 2024 Zeta Economic Index

1. Record Economic Index Score (EIS)

   • The EIS reached a record-high of 71.5 points in December, marking a 0.6-point month-over-month (MoM) increase. This was the second consecutive month of growth, the first in over three years. It signals continued economic momentum, fueled by strong holiday shopping despite a shorter season this year.

2. Economic Stability Index (ESI) Growth

   • The ESI increased to 66.9, showing a 0.6% quarter-over-quarter improvement. This signals steady confidence in the economy’s ability to handle fluctuations, as consumers continue to spend despite rising inflation.

3. Consumer Spending and Inflation

   • Inflation edged up to 2.7%, reflecting a gradual rise, but it did not deter consumer spending, which remained robust during the holiday season. This suggests that consumers are adjusting to economic changes while maintaining higher spending levels.

Sector-Specific Insights

1. Consumer Technology Interest Soars

   • The consumer tech sector saw a 5.6-point MoM increase in interest, fueled by holiday demand for innovative devices. As CES 2025 approaches, the sector enters the new year with strong momentum.

2. Growth in Financial Services Spending

   • Interest in financial services grew by 3.0 points MoM, largely driven by Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) trends, where consumers relied on flexible payment options to afford high-ticket items, especially in tech.

3. Retail and Travel Sectors

   • Retail activity saw a 4.2% MoM increase, despite a 0.5% decrease in in-store visits as online shopping continued to dominate. Travel activity grew by 2.0 points MoM, aligning with the busy December travel season.

4. Job Market Sentiment Stabilizes

   • After a surge of 13.9% MoM in November, job market sentiment moderated slightly by 0.9% in December, reflecting the conclusion of temporary holiday positions. However, sentiment remains positive, signaling a stable employment outlook.

Zeta Economic Index: A New Lens on the Economy

Unlike traditional surveys, the ZEI uses real-time consumer behavior data, processed through Zeta’s proprietary Generative AI. This results in comprehensive economic sentiment and trend insights that reflect actual behavior rather than subjective opinions. With over 20 proprietary inputs recalibrated monthly, the ZEI offers a dynamic and real-time view of economic activity.

Statement from Zeta Global CEO

David A. Steinberg, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Zeta Global, commented:
"Leveraging real-time signals from actual consumer behavior, the ZEI provides a unique and actionable perspective on the economy, helping decision makers navigate the coming year with greater confidence. As we close out the holiday season, consumer spending is stabilizing, signaling optimism for the year ahead."

The Zeta Economic Index

The Zeta Economic Index is publicly available and offered as a complimentary service. It provides essential data on economic trends, sentiment, and consumer behavior, enabling businesses and decision-makers to make more informed decisions. Please note that the ZEI should not be relied upon for investment advice.