Dutch consumers remain equally negative in August

With a headline figure of -32, the consumer confidence indicator for August 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 just as pessimistic about the economy

Consumers were just as negative about the economy in August as they were in July. This component of the indicator remained at -52. Consumers were less negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months, but more negative about the economic situation over the previous twelve months.

Willingness to buy also equally negative

In August, willingness to buy was -19, just as in July. Consumers were less negative about their personal financial situation for the next twelve months, but more negative about their financial situation over the previous twelve months. Consumers were equally negative about making large purchases in August as they were in July.