Consumers less pessimistic

The mood among Dutch consumers improved in August. The consumer confidence index rose by 5 points from -38 in July to -33 in August. Consumers were considerably less negative about the economic climate. Their willingness-to-buy remained invariably low.

Consumer confidence

In August, Dutch consumers were far less pessimistic about the economic climate in the next 12 months than in the preceding month. In June and July, consumers’ opinions about the future economic climate had deteriorated considerably. In August, consumers were also less negative about the economic climate in the past 12 months than in July. On balance, the component indicator economic climate rose by 15 points to -42.

Willingness-to-buy fell by 1 point in August to -26. Dutch consumers were slightly more pessimistic about their own financial situation in the past 12 months than in July. Their opinions about the question whether it is a favourable time to buy expensive items, like TV sets, deteriorated marginally. Consumers’ expectations about the future development of their own financial situation over the next 12 months did not change.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted

For more information on Dutch consumer confidence, also see Statistics Netherlands’ online video on YouTube.

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.