Consumers more pessimistic in August

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© CBS / Alrik Swagerman
In August, Dutch consumers are more pessimistic than in the previous month, as reported today by Statistics Netherlands (CBS). The consumer confidence indicator stands at -6 this month, down from -4 in July. Both consumer sentiment about the general economic situation and willingness to buy have deteriorated.

At -6, the consumer confidence indicator is positioned above its 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.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
YearMonthbalance (average of the component questions)
2017September23
2017October23
2017November22
2017December25
2018January24
2018February23
2018March24
2018April25
2018May23
2018June23
2018July23
2018August21
2018September18
2018October15
2018November13
2018December9
2019January1
2019February-2
2019March -3
2019April-3
2019May-3
2019June-1
2019July1
2019August-1
2019September-2
2019October-1
2019November-2
2019December-2
2020January-2
2020February-2
2020March-3
2020April-23
2020May-31
2020June-27
2020July-26
2020August-29
2020September-28
2020October-30
2020November-26
2020December-20
2021January-19
2021February-19
2021March-18
2021April-14
2021May-9
2021June-3
2021July-4
2021August-6

Consumers more negative about the economy

Consumers’ sentiment about the economic climate is more negative compared to July. This component indicator stands at -11, down from -10. Although consumers are less negative about the economic situation over the past twelve months, they are relatively less positive about the next twelve months.

Willingness to buy deteriorating

Consumers’ willingness to buy stands at -2, down from 0 in July. Consumers are more negative about their own financial situation over the past twelve months and less positive about the coming twelve months. Furthermore, compared to July they find it a more unfavourable time to make large purchases.