Dutch consumers remain equally negative

With a headline figure of -32, the consumer confidence indicator for September 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. Statistics Netherlands has monitored consumer confidence every month since April 1986, based on its 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 slightly more pessimistic about the economy

Consumers were slightly more pessimistic about the economy in September than they were in August. This component of the indicator fell from -52 to -53. Consumers were equally negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months, but slightly more negative about the economic situation over the previous twelve months.

Willingness to buy slightly less negative

In September, willingness to buy was -18, up from -19 in August. Consumers were less negative about their personal financial situation for the next twelve months and equally negative about their financial situation over the previous twelve months. Consumers were just as negative about making large purchases in September as they were in August.