Dutch consumers very pessimistic

The mood among Dutch consumers deteriorated marginally in December. The consumer confidence indicator dropped by 2 points to -39. Dutch consumers have been very pessimistic all year long.

In December, consumers were much more negative about the economic climate than in November, but willingness to buy improved somewhat.

Consumer confidence

Consumer confidence

Consumers were much more pessimistic about the economic climate in the past and in the next twelve months than in November. The component indicator economic climate dropped 8 points to -64.

The component indicator willingness to buy, on the other hand, improved marginally from -25 to -23. This is because consumers were less pessimistic about their financial situation in the twelve months to come. This indicator rose by 8 points to reach -24, but consumers’ opinions on their own financial situation in the past twelve months deteriorated marginally. Consumers also thought the time was slightly more unfavourable to buy expensive items, like furniture, washing machines or TV sets.

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 the Business cycle dossier.

For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.