Consumer confidence improves

The mood among Dutch consumers improved in October. According to Statistics Netherlands, the consumer confidence indicator rose by 4 points to -3. Consumers became more positive about the economic climate. Their willingness-to-buy remained stable.

At -3, the consumer confidence indicator is currently above its long-term average over the past twenty years (-8). In April 2000, the indicator reached an all-time high of 27; in February 2013 it was at its lowest: -44.

Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted

Optimism about economy returning again

Confidence in the general economic climate improved in October, with this component indicator increasing by 10 points to 8. Optimism prevailed again. Consumers’ opinions about the economic climate in the next twelve months and the past twelve months improved.

Economic climate, seasonally adjusted

Willingness-to-buy fairly stable

Consumers’ willingness-to-buy remained fairly stable in October compared with September. The component indicator climbed 1 point to -10. Consumers were slightly less pessimistic about their personal financial situation in the next twelve months. Consumers also thought it was a slightly more unfavourable time to buy expensive items like washing machines and TV sets compared with the preceding month.

Consumer confidence

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.