Dutch consumers equally negative in August

With a headline figure of -24, the consumer confidence indicator for August is positioned well below its long-term average over the previous twenty years (-10). The indicator reached an all-time high (36) in January 2000, while an all-time low (-59) was reached in September and October 2022. Since April 1986, CBS has monitored consumer confidence every month, based on the consumer survey. Consumer confidence is assessed using 5 questions, taking the balance of positive and negative responses to each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100. If all consumers are negative, the balance is -100.

Consumers more pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are more pessimistic about the economy in August than they were in July. This component of the indicator fell to --42, compared to -39 in July. Both consumers’ assessment of the economic situation over the previous twelve months and their assessment of the economic outlook for the next twelve months has deteriorated.

Willingness to buy slightly less negative

Willingness to buy among consumers stands at -13 in August, up from -14 in July. Consumers’ opinions on their personal financial situation over the previous 12 months were slightly less negative, while their assessment of the next 12 months was somewhat more positive. Consumers were also less negative about making large purchases in August than they were in July.