The desire to buy remains remarkably low among Dutch people. Consumer confidence did not change in May and is at its lowest level in a year and a half. However, Dutch people have gained some hope for a better economy in the coming twelve months.
According to statistics agency CBS, consumer confidence is now at minus 37, after a decline of seven months in a row in April. The confidence is therefore below the average over the past twenty years (minus 10).
Dutch people still have little confidence in the economy, but there seems to be a glimmer of hope. The CBS noted slightly more confidence in the economic situation of the Netherlands for the next twelve months.
Consumers do not immediately see that reflected in their wallets. Confidence in a better financial situation for the next twelve months did decrease. There was also more fear among consumers in May than in April to make major purchases.
Consumer confidence was on the rise for a few years, until it came to an abrupt end in late 2024. The index has been falling for seven consecutive months and seems to be flattening out in May. In October 2022, consumer confidence reached its absolute low due to rapidly rising inflation. The level was then minus 59.