Consumers less positive

In December, Dutch consumers are less positive than in November. According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the consumer confidence indicator fell by 3 points to + 6. The decrease is mainly due to the fact that consumers are less positive about the economic climate. Consumers’ willingness to buy remains unchanged. Consumer confidence has almost continually been positive in the period March-December 2015.

The consumer confidence indicator fell to + 6 in December, which is still above its long-term average over the past two decades (- 8). The indicator reached an all-time high in April 2000 (+ 27) and an all-time low in February 2013 (- 44).

Consumers less positive about the economic climate

Dutch consumers think the economic climate in general is less favourable in December than in November. The component indicator economic climate fell from + 21 in November to + 14 in December. The decrease is caused by the fact that consumers are  less optimistic about the economic situation in the next and the past 12 months.

Consumers’ willingness to buy remains unchanged. This component indicator of consumer confidence remains stable at + 1.

Today, Statistics Netherlands also reports on household consumption in October.

Consumer confidence