FX.co ★ Dutch Consumers More Pessimistic In December

Dutch consumers displayed slightly increased negativity in December, as reflected by their less favorable views on the economic climate and decreased willingness to make purchases. This data was released on Friday by the Central Bureau of Statistics.

The consumer confidence index declined to -26 in December, compared to -25 in November. This figure sits substantially below the long-term 20-year average of -10 points.

Breaking down the index, the economic climate indicator dropped to -45 in December from -43 in November. This signifies heightened pessimism regarding both the current economic situation and the outlook for the next twelve months.

Additionally, the willingness to buy index slightly decreased to -13 in December from -12 in November. However, households perceived the timing for significant purchases as marginally more favorable than in November.

Throughout 2024, consumer confidence recovery experienced stagnation, with sentiment remaining almost as negative at the end of the year as it was at the start, according to the agency.