Dutch consumers far less pessimistic about economic future
Consumer confidence increased in April. Despite this improvement pessimists still outnumbered optimists by far. The indicator rose from -34 to -28. Opinions on the future economic climate improved substantially, whereas in the previous month consumers were very gloomy about the economy. Willingness to buy on the other hand did not change.
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumers were especially less negative about the economic situation in the twelve months to come. This is one of the five components of consumer confidence. The value of this component increased by 27 points to -32. This means that the number of pessimists still outnumbered the number of optimists, but by far less than one month previously. A similar improvement was last recorded in August 2003. The less gloomy outlook for the economic future coincides with a modest recovery on the stock market. Opinions on the economic situation in the past twelve months also improved, but far less sturdily than opinions on the economy in the near future. On balance, the outlook for the economic climate as a whole improved by 15 points.
Economic climate next twelve months, seasonally adjusted
Consumers’ willingness to buy remained unchanged, despite the less negative view of the economy. Opinions on buying expensive items did not change from the previous month. Consumers were less negative about their financial situation in the twelve months to come. However, the opinion of the average Dutch consumer on the financial situation of his own household in the past twelve months deteriorated.
Indicators consumer confidence
