Consumption Activity Index
The Bank of Japan released the Consumption Activity Index (CAI) to assess private consumption, which accounts for about half of GDP, aiding macroeconomic cycle judgments.
Private consumption represents roughly 50 percent of Japan’s total GDP, making its timely assessment critical for evaluating broader economic conditions. The Bank of Japan’s Research and Statistics Department compiles the Consumption Activity Index (CAI) monthly and quarterly to track short-term consumption trends. The index aggregates sales and supply-side data on goods and services, offering both nominal and real measures, with and without travel balance adjustments. It also provides breakdowns by type of goods and services to support diverse analytical needs.
The CAI is typically published at 2:00 p.m. on the fifth business day of each month, though the schedule may vary. The index is designed to provide a precise snapshot of consumption activity, helping policymakers and analysts gauge economic momentum. Users can access multiple series, including adjusted and unadjusted indexes, to tailor their analysis to specific research objectives.
The Bank of Japan emphasizes that the CAI is part of its broader research and analysis efforts, intended for a wide audience interested in economic and financial developments. The data and charts are provided for informational purposes, with the caveat that they may be subject to unscheduled changes, revisions, or terminations without prior notice.
The Bank of Japan’s Research and Statistics Department retains ownership of the CAI and associated materials. Commercial reproduction or copying requires prior permission, while proper attribution is mandatory for any quoting or reproduction of the data or charts. Users are advised to contact the department for licensing inquiries.