Consumers marginally less negative in April

With a headline figure of -21, the consumer confidence indicator for April is positioned well below its long-term average for 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 every month since April 1986 based on the consumer survey. Consumer confidence is an average of 5 sub-questions, where the balance of positive and negative answers is taken from each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100. If all consumers are negative, the balance is -100.

Consumers somewhat less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are marginally less pessimistic about the economy in April than they were in March. This component of the indicator rose to -34, relative to -35 in March. Consumers’ assessment of the economic situation over the past twelve months has improved, but their assessment of the economic outlook for the next twelve months has worsened.

Willingness to buy slightly less negative

Willingness to buy among consumers stands at -13 in April, up from -14 in March. Both consumers’ opinion on their personal financial situation over the previous 12 months and their assessment of it over the next 12 months have improved. However, consumers considered making large purchases in April to be just as unfavourable as in March.