Dutch consumers less negative in September

With a headline figure of -21, the consumer confidence indicator for September 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 less pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are less pessimistic about the economy in September than they were in August. This component of the indicator rose to -37, compared to -42 in August. 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 improved.

Willingness to buy also improved

Willingness to buy among consumers stands at -11 in September, up from -13 in August. Consumers’ opinions on their personal financial situation over the previous 12 months were less negative, while their assessment of the next 12 months was more positive. Consumers were also less negative about making large purchases in September than they were in August.