Consumer confidence hardly changes
The mood among Dutch consumers has hardly changed in September compared to August. According to Statistics Netherlands, the consumer confidence indicator declined by 1 point to +5. Consumer confidence has been fairly stable for four months now. The slight decline in consumer confidence is mainly due the fact that consumers are less positive about the economic climate. Their willingness to buy is slightly less negative.
Consumer confidence fell to + 5 in September, i.e. far above its long-term average over the past two decades (- 8). The indicator reached its highest level ever in April 2000 (+ 27) and its lowest level in February 2013 (- 44).
Less optimism about the economy
Confidence in the economic climate in general deteriorated in September relative to August. This component indicator fell from + 20 in August to + 14 in September. Consumers’ opinions about economic developments over the past and the next 12 months worsened.
Consumers’ willingness-to-buy was slightly less negative in September than in August. This component indicator of consumer confidence rose by 1 point to - 2. This is mainly due to the fact that consumers are somewhat more positive about their financial situation over the past 12 months. They also think it is a better time to buy expensive, durable items.
Today, Statistics Netherlands also reports on household consumption in July.
Consumer confidence
Source, StatLine:
More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.