Dutch consumer confidence improves slightly in February

With a score of +14, February’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 slightly more optimistic about economic climate and willingness to buy

Consumer confidence in the economy has improved slightly this month relative to January. The component indicator economic climate has risen from +28 in January to +29 in February. Consumers are more positive about the economic situation over the past 12 months, but are less positive about the outlook for the next 12 months.

Consumers’ willingness to buy has improved marginally in February. This component indicator of consumer confidence now stands at +4, versus +3 in January. Consumers think the time is more favourable to buy expensive, durable items and are less negative about their financial situation over the past 12 months. On the other hand, their opinion about the financial situation in the coming 12 months has deteriorated slightly.

In April 2017 a revised set of consumer confidence, economic climate and willingness to buy data will be made available. This revised set will be based on new methods of observation, and will include data from 1986 till the present.