Consumer confidence virtually unchanged

Dutch consumer confidence in January was virtually identical to that of December 2005. Opinions about the economic climate and the willingness to purchase hardly changed. Dutch consumer confidence has been growing since September 2005. However, the pessimists still have the upper hand according to the latest seasonally adjusted figures by Statistics Netherlands.

Barely changing opinions about the economic climate

The sentiment about the economic climate in January hardly changed in comparison with the month before. Dutch consumers barely changed their opinions about the economic situation over the next twelve months and in the previous twelve. On balance consumers were positive about the economic climate in the next twelve months. This is the third month in a row where the optimists outnumber the pessimists.

Willingness to purchase remains low

The willingness consumers have to purchase hardly changed in January in comparison to December and is still low. Willingness to purchase is based on consumers’ opinions about the financial situation of their household and on the question if this is a good time for major purchases. Consumers were less negative about their own financial situation over the last twelve months. They hardly changed opinions on their own financial situation in the next twelve months and on major purchases.

Growing consumer confidence

Dutch consumer confidence has been growing since September 2005. The rise is mainly due to the more positive opinions about the economic climate. Over the last five months, consumer sentiments about the economy saw a major improvement (24 points). Dutch willingness to purchase, on the other hand, only improved modestly during this period (5 points).

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