Consumers a little more negative in October

There has been a slight deterioration in sentiment among consumers in the Netherlands in October 2026, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) can report. Consumer confidence moved from -33 in September to -34 in October. Sentiment on the economy saw a deterioration, and willingness to buy deteriorated.

Every month, Statistics Netherlands (CBS) asks people in the Netherlands their views on the economy in general, their own financial situation, and whether they believe it is a good time to make major purchases. Together, the responses to these questions provide an indication of consumer confidence. This can range between -100 (meaning that all the responses were negative) to +100 (all responses were positive).

Consumer confidence in October 2026 remains lower than the average score over the last twenty years of -12. The highest reading since records began was +36 in January 2000, while the lowest reading was -59, recorded in both September and October 2022.

Consumers more negative about the economic climate

In October, consumers were a little more negative about the economy compared with September. The economic climate indicator fell from -58 to -59. Views on the economic outlook for the next twelve months were unchanged, while views on the economic situation over the past twelve months became more negative.

Willingness to buy also fell

Willingness to buy was -18 in October, down from -17 in September. Consumers’ financial outlook for the coming twelve months was less positive, and their assessment of their personal financial situation over the previous twelve months was more negative. However, consumers felt more positive about making major purchases in October, compared with September.