Dutch consumers gain confidence

Consumers were particularly confident about the near future. Their opinions on the economic situation over the next 12 months improved by 22 points to reach +14. Consumers’ opinions on the economic situation in the past 12 months also improved considerably. The component indicator economic climate rose by 15 points to reach -3. Huge mood swings regarding the state of the economy are not uncommon. In December, the indicator fell by 12 points.

Consumers’ willingness to buy was at approximately the same low level in January as in December. This component indicator of consumer confidence increased 1 point to -11. Consumers were less negative about their own financial situation, but they thought it was a less favourable time to buy expensive items.

Dutch consumers are also more positive about the labour market. In January, only one in three consumers thought unemployment would be reduced in the next 12 months versus one in five in December. In the past three years, consumers have not been so optimistic. The most recent figures about unemployment show a substantial reduction in December 2010.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.