Consumer confidence index remains stable

The latest seasonally-corrected figures published by Statistics Netherlands reveal that February’s consumer confidence index hardly changed compared to January. Consumers’ opinions on the economic climate and willingness to buy also remained stable in the first two months of 2006. In spite of the upward trend recorded in the last six months, pessimists still outnumber optimists.

Opinions on economic climate hardly changed

Consumers’ opinions on the economic climate in February hardly changed compared to the previous month. Their opinions on the economic situation in the past twelve months as well as in the coming twelve months remained virtually the same. For the fourth consecutive month, optimists outnumber pessimists with respect to their opinions on the economic climate in the next twelve months.

Willingness to buy at the same level as last month

The indicator reflecting consumers’ willingness to buy also remained about the same in February as in January, but consumers are more negative about their own financial situation over the past twelve months. On the other hand, the outlook on their financial situation in the twelve months to come is less negative. In February, consumers are a bit more positive about buying expensive items, like pieces of furniture.

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