Dutch consumer confidence deteriorates slightly in February

With a headline figure of -24, the consumer confidence indicator for February is positioned well below its long-term average for the previous twenty years (-11). The indicator reached its all-time high (36) in January 2000, while the all-time low (-59) was 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 more pessimistic about the economy

Consumers were more pessimistic about the economy in February than they were in January. This component of the indicator fell from -40 to -42. Consumers were more negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months, but slightly less negative about the economic outlook over the previous twelve months.

Willingness to buy improves slightly

In February, willingness to buy was -11, up from -12 in January. Consumers were slightly less negative about their financial situation over the previous twelve months, but less positive about their personal financial outlook for the next twelve months. Consumers were equally negative about making large purchases in February as they were in January.