Consumers slightly less negative in October

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© CBS
In October 2023, Dutch consumers are slightly less negative than they were in the previous month according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). In October, consumer confidence stands at -38, compared to -39 in September. Both consumers’ opinions about the economic climate and consumers’ willingness to buy have improved.

At -38, the consumer confidence indicator in October is positioned well below its long-term average over the past two decades (-10). The indicator reached an all-time high (36) in January 2000 while the all-time low (-59) was reached in September and October 2022. CBS has monitored consumer confidence monthly since April 1986.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
yearmonthbalance (average of the component questions)
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-19
2021January-19
2021February-19
2021March-18
2021April-14
2021May-9
2021June-3
2021July-4
2021August-6
2021September-5
2021October-10
2021November-20
2021December-26
2022January-28
2022February-30
2022March-39
2022April-48
2022May-47
2022June-50
2022July-51
2022August-54
2022September-59
2022October-59
2022November-56
2022December-52
2023January-49
2023February-44
2023March-39
2023April-37
2023May-38
2023June-39
2023July-39
2023August-40
2023September-39
2023October-38

Consumers slightly less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are somewhat less pessimistic about the economy in October than they were in September. This component indicator increased to -56, compared to -57 in September. Both consumers' opinions about the economic situation in the past twelve months and opinions about the economic situation in the next twelve months are slightly less negative.

Willingness to buy somewhat less negative

Consumers’ willingness to buy stands at -27 in October, up from -28 in September. Opinions about the financial situation in the past twelve months deteriorated slightly, while opinions about the financial situation in the next twelve months improved somewhat. Consumers are less negative about making large purchases in October than they were in September.

Consumer confidence: component indicators, seasonaly adjusted
   OctoberSeptember
Consumer confidenceAverage component questions-38-39
Economic climateEconomic situation past 12 months-74-76
Economic climateEconomic situation next 12 months-37-39
Willingness to buyFinancial situation last 12 months-30-29
Willingness to buyFinancial situation next 12 months-4-5
Willingness to buyGood time to buy consumer durables-46-49