Consumers more positive

Dutch consumer confidence was up in March 2006 in comparison to February. Consumers were considerably more positive about the economic climate. Willingness to buy increased slightly, according to the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands. These are seasonally corrected figures. Although consumer confidence has been on the increase for six months, there are still more pessimists than optimists.

Consumers decidedly more positive about the economy

There was a large improvement in consumer sentiment about the economic climate in March. On balance there were as many optimists as pessimists. Consumers were particularly more positive about the economic climate in the next twelve months. Here the optimists now have a fair majority. Opinions on the past twelve months also saw a considerable improvement.

Willingness to buy up slightly

The willingness of consumers to buy increased slightly in March. Consumers felt it was a better time for major purchases such as furniture and  washing machines. There was hardly a change in the opinions consumers held about their own financial situation in the next and in the previous twelve months.

Consumer confidence on the rise

Consumer confidence continuously increased over the past seven months, going from -27 to -10. Since the start of 2006 consumers mainly became more positive about the future development of the economy and their own financial situation. Consumer confidence reached a four-year record high in March, although it is still below the average for the last two decades.

PDF contains complete press release, including graphics.