Consumer confidence continues to rise

In July 2004 the seasonally corrected figure for Dutch consumer confidence reached -21. This is 4 points up on June. For the second month in a row consumer confidence is rising. In July it has reached the highest level in two years. Dutch consumers are much more positive about the economic situation than they were last month. Willingness to buy also increased slightly compared to June, as the economic survey among Dutch consumers, conducted by Statistics Netherlands, shows.

Opinions on economic climate more positive

In July consumers’ opinions on the economic climate corrected for seasonal effects were considerably less negative than in June. Consumers were more positive about the economic climate of the last twelve months and the twelve months to come. There are as many optimists as pessimists with respect to the economic climate in the next twelve months, whereas a month ago pessimists still outnumbered optimists.

Increased willingness to buy

The seasonally corrected figure indicating willingness to buy reached -18, i.e. 2 points up on June. Willingness to buy is based on the opinions consumers express about the financial situation of their own households and about the question whether it is a suitable time for making large purchases. In July Dutch consumers are somewhat more positive about buying expensive items such as furniture and television sets. Consumers’ opinions on the financial situation of their own households have not changed in July.

Upward trend consumer confidence

One year ago consumer confidence was at the lowest point since the early 1980s. Opinions on the economic situation as well as willingness to buy dropped to a low last year. Since then consumers have become much more positive about the economic situation but consumer confidence, in spite of the upward trend, still remains at a low level.

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