Consumer confidence historically low

The confidence of Dutch consumers reached a historically low level in February 2013. The consumer confidence indicator fell by 9 points to -44, the lowest level since the start of the seasonally adjusted time series in April 1986. Consumers were notably more pessimistic about their own financial situation. Their opinions on the economic climate also deteriorated.

Consumer confidence

Consumer confidence

Consumers were far more negative about their own financial situation in February 2013 than in the preceding month. Their opinions about whether the time is favourable to buy expensive items did not change. On balance, the component indicator willingness-to-buy dropped 12 points to -32,  the lowest level ever.

Consumers’ opinions on the economic climate also deteriorated. The component indicator economic climate fell by 5 points to -63.

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.

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