Mood among Dutch consumers marginally improved

Dutch consumers were slightly less pessimistic in February. Their mood about the economic situation in general was less negative than in January, but willingness-to-buy deteriorated somewhat. The indicator reflecting the mood among consumers climbed 1 point to reach -36. Confidence remains at a low level.

Consumer confidence

Consumer confidence

Consumers were slightly more confident about the economic climate. This component indicator of consumer confidence climbed 4 points to reach -61. Opinions on the economic situation over the next twelve months improved noticeably. Consumers’ opinions on the economic situation over the past twelve months also improved, though to a lesser extent.

Consumers were also less negative about their own financial situation over the next twelve months. Their opinions on their own financial situation over the past twelve months, on the other hand, deteriorated. They also thought the time was less favourable to purchase expensive items, like furniture, washing machines or TV sets. As a result, the component indicator willingness to buy dropped 2 points to -20.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted

For more information on Dutch consumer confidence, also see Statistics Netherlands’ online video on YouTube.

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.