Optimism still prevails among Dutch consumers

With a score of + 12, December’s consumer confidence indicator is significantly 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 think economic climate has hardly changed

In December, Dutch consumers are somewhat less positive about the economy in general than in November. The component indicator economic climate has fallen from + 24 in November to + 23 in December. Consumers are a bit less optimistic about the economic situation in the past and next 12 months.

Consumers’ willingness to buy remains stable in December compared to the preceding month. This component indicator of consumer confidence currently stands at + 5, just as in November. Consumers are as positive about their personal financial situation as they were in November. They also think the time to buy expensive, durable items is as favourable as in November.