Consumer confidence drops to lowest level ever in April

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© CBS / Nikki van Toorn
Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that Dutch consumers have never been gloomier than this month. Consumer confidence stands at -48, down from -39 in March. The previous low was reached in March 2013 during the Eurozone crisis. In April 2022, consumers were more pessimistic than ever about the economy while the willingness to buy also reached an all-time low.

At -48, the consumer confidence indicator in April is positioned well below its long-term average over the past two decades (-8). The indicator reached an all-time high (36) in January 2000 while the all-time low (-48) was reached in April 2022. CBS has been measuring consumer confidence since April 1986.

Consumers more pessimistic than ever about the economy

Consumers’ sentiment about the economic climate is more negative than ever this month, with the component indicator at -69, down from -58. Consumers are more negative about the economic situation, both over the past twelve months and for the next twelve months.

Willingness to buy also at lowest level ever

Consumers’ willingness to buy stands at -34, down from -26 in March. This component indicator also reached its lowest level ever. Consumers are more negative about their financial situation in the next twelve months and about their financial position over the past twelve months. Never before have consumers found the time so unfavourable for making major purchases as April 2022.

Sources

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