Consumers less negative in December

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© CBS / Nikki van Toorn
In December 2023, the mood among consumers improved for the fourth month in a row, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Consumer confidence stands at -29, compared to -33 in November. Both consumers’ opinions about the economic climate and consumers’ willingness to buy have improved.

At -29, the consumer confidence indicator in December is positioned well below its long-term average over the past two decades (-10). The indicator reached an all-time high (36) in January 2000 while the all-time low (-59) was reached in September and October 2022. CBS has monitored consumer confidence monthly since April 1986.

Consumers less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are less pessimistic about the economy in December than they were in November. This component indicator increased to -41, compared to -47 in November. Both consumers' opinions about the economic situation in the past twelve months and opinions about the economic situation in the next twelve months are less negative.

Willingness to buy less negative

Consumers’ willingness to buy stands at -21 in December, up from -24 in November. Both opinions about the financial situation in the past twelve months and the financial situation in the next twelve months improved. For the first time since November 2021, consumers were positive about their financial situation in the next twelve months. Consumers are also less negative about making large purchases in December than they were in November.

Sources

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