Dutch consumer confidence improves in July

With a headline figure of -32, the consumer confidence indicator for July is positioned well below its long-term average for the previous twenty years (-10). The indicator reached its all-time high (36) in January 2000, while the all-time low (-59) was reached in September and October 2022. Since April 1986, CBS has monitored consumer confidence every month, based on the consumer survey. Consumer confidence is assessed using five questions, where the balance of positive and negative responses is taken from each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100. If all consumers are negative, the balance is -100.

Consumers less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers were less negative about the economy in July than they were in June. This component of the indicator stood at -52, up from -58 in June. Consumers were less negative about both the economic outlook for the next twelve months and the economic situation over the previous twelve months.

Willingness to buy also less negative

Willingness to buy among consumers stood at -19 in July, up from -21 in June. Consumers were less negative about their personal financial situation over the past twelve months and about their financial situation for the next twelve months. Furthermore, consumers were less negative about making large purchases in July than they were in June.