Dutch consumers slightly more negative in October

With a headline figure of -22, the consumer confidence indicator for October is positioned well below its long-term average for 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, where the balance of positive and negative responses is taken from each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100. If all consumers are negative, the balance is -100.

Consumers equally pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are equally pessimistic about the economy in October as they were in September. This component of the indicator remained at -37. Consumers’ assessment of the economic situation over the previous twelve months has deteriorated slightly, but their assessment of the economic outlook for the next twelve months has improved slightly.

Willingness to buy deteriorated

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