Dutch consumer confidence improves slightly in December

With a score of + 25 in December, the consumer confidence indicator is significantly above its long-term average over the past two decades (- 3). The indicator reached an all-time high in January 2000 (+ 36) and an all-time low in March 2013 (- 41).

Mood about economic climate improves

Consumer confidence in the economic climate shows improvement in December. This component indicator of consumer confidence now stands at + 45, up from + 41 in November.

Consumers’ willingness to buy increases slightly in December. This component indicator of consumer confidence stands at +12, up from +10 in November. Consumers are slightly more positive about their personal financial situation as well as about buying expensive, durable items.

Record number of consumers expect unemployment to decline

Expectations about future unemployment are improving considerably. Over 61 percent of respondents expect unemployment to decline in the coming 12 months, whereas nearly 11 percent anticipate an increase. The balance of positive and negative answers is +50. This is the highest measured balance so far.

Today Statistics Netherlands (CBS) also publishes new labour force figures. According to the definition of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the number of unemployed fell below 400 thousand in November for the first time after August 2009.