Dutch consumers remain equally negative in May

With a headline figure of -37, the consumer confidence indicator for May 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 five 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 were just as negative about the economy in May as they were in April. The economic climate sub-indicator remained at -61. Consumers were slightly less negative about the economic outlook for the next twelve months, while their assessment of the economic situation over the previous twelve months remained the same.

Willingness to buy slightly more negative

Willingness to buy among consumers stood at -21 in May, down from -20 in April. Consumers’ opinions on both their personal financial situation over the past twelve months and their financial situation over the next twelve months were slightly more negative. Consumers were also more negative about making large purchases in May than they were in April.