Dutch consumers more negative again

These are the most recent figures on this topic. View the previous figures here.
© CBS / Nikki van Toorn
The mood among consumers is more negative in December than it was in November, according to Statistics Netherlands (CBS). Consumer confidence stood at -26 in December, compared with -25 last month. Opinions on both the economic climate and willingness to buy deteriorated. The recovery in consumer confidence stalled last year. Consumers were almost as pessimistic at the end of 2024 as they were at the beginning of the year.

With a headline figure of -26, the consumer confidence indicator for December is positioned well below its long-term average for the previous twenty years (-10). The indicator reached its all-time high (36) in January 2000, while the 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 more pessimistic about the economy

Consumers are more pessimistic about the economy in December than they were in November. This component of the indicator fell to -45, compared to -43 in November. Consumers’ assessment of both the economic situation over the previous twelve months and the economic outlook for the next twelve months has deteriorated.

Willingness to buy slightly more negative

Willingness to buy among consumers stood at -13 in December, down from -12 in November. Consumers’ opinions on their personal financial situation over the previous 12 months were virtually the same, while their assessment of the next 12 months slightly deteriorated. Consumers were slightly less negative about making large purchases in December than they were in November.

Sources

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