Consumer mood negative for the first time in 4 years

With a score of -2 in February, the consumer confidence indicator still remains above its long-term average over the past two decades (-3). The indicator reached an all-time high in January 2000 (36) and an all-time low in March 2013 (-41).

Opinions on economic climate less positive and willingness to buy deteriorating

In February, Dutch consumers are less positive about the economic climate than in January. This component indicator of consumer confidence has dropped from 3 to 1. Opinions on the economic climate in the past twelve months as well as in the coming twelve months have deteriorated.

Consumers’ willingness to buy has also deteriorated in February : -3, down from -1 in January. Consumers are more negative about their personal financial situation in the past 12 months and about buying expensive, durable items.