Dutch consumer confidence has improved in October

With a headline figure of -27, the consumer confidence indicator for October 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 less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers were less pessimistic about the economy in October than they were in September. This component of the indicator rose from -53 to -46. Consumers were less negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months as well as the economic situation over the previous twelve months.

Willingness to buy improves

In October, willingness to buy was -14, up from -18 in September. Consumers were more positive about their personal financial situation for the next twelve months, while they were less negative about their financial situation over the previous twelve months. Consumers were also less negative about making large purchases in October than they were in September.