Consumer confidence up in June

At -3, the consumer confidence indicator in June stands above the long-term average over the past two decades (-8). The indicator reached an all-time high (36) in January 2000 and an all-time low (-41) in March 2013.

Consumers less negative about the economy

Consumers’ sentiment about the general economic situation is less negative compared to May. This component indicator stands at -12, up from -24. Consumers are more positive about the economic situation in the next twelve months. They are also less pessimistic about the economic situation over the past twelve months.

Willingness to buy at higher level than before the crisis

Consumers’ willingness to buy stands at 3, up from 1 in May, reaching a higher level than before the coronavirus crisis for the first time. Consumers’ opinions about their financial situation for the next twelve months and over the past twelve months have improved. Furthermore, they find the time for large purchases less unfavourable compared to May.

Consumers positive about future unemployment

The question whether or not someone has a job plays an important role in their willingness to buy. In June, consumers’ unemployment expectations are positive for the first time since November 2019. Approximately 33 percent of the respondents expect unemployment to rise in the twelve months to come, whereas 46 percent anticipate a drop. The balance of positive and negative answers stands at 13, higher than in January 2020 (pre-COVID-19). The low during the current coronavirus crisis was -87 in October 2020.