Dutch consumers much more pessimistic about economy

Consumers were much more negative about the economic climate in general than in November. This component indicator of consumer confidence dropped by 12 points to -18. Consumers’ opinions on the economic situation in the past 12 months deteriorated slightly more than their opinions on the economic situation over the next 12 months.

Consumers’ willingness to buy was also lower in December than in November. This component indicator of consumer confidence fell by 4 points to -12. Consumers were also more negative about their own financial situation and they considered the time less favourable to buy expensive items.

The expectations of Dutch consumers about unemployment in the next twelve months are surveyed by Statistics Netherlands on a monthly basis. These expectations also deteriorated in December. One in five consumers anticipated a decline, versus one in four in November.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted