Consumer confidence decreases slightly

The seasonally corrected figure for Dutch consumer confidence in May 2004 reached -28. This is 3 points lower than in April, but much higher than a year ago. Consumers were more negative about the economic situation than last month. The willingness of consumers to buy remained the same, according to the economic survey among consumers conducted by Statistics Netherlands.

More negative opinions about the economic climate

The seasonally corrected figures regarding consumer opinions on the economic climate were more negative in May than in April. On balance there are 39 percent more pessimists than optimists in May versus 33 percent in April. After a substantial increase in February consumer confidence in the economic climate has fallen again over the last three months.

Consumers were more negative about the economic situation in the next twelve months in particular. Consumers were also more negative about the economic situation in the past twelve months, but not to the same extent.

Willingness to buy unchanged

The seasonally corrected figures for willingness to buy remained the same on balance in May as in April. Willingness to buy is based on the opinions consumers express about the financial situation of their own households and the about the question if this is a good time for major purchases. In May consumers were more negative than in April about major purchases such as furniture and televisions. Their opinions about this have developed capriciously in recent months, making it difficult to draw conclusions.

The opinions consumers expressed about the financial situation of their own households over the last twelve months is somewhat less negative. Little has changed about the financial situation about the next twelve months, although there are still slightly more pessimists than optimists.

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