Netherlands: Consumer confidence drops in September but remains elevated
Consumer confidence remained elevated at the end of the third quarter despite a broad-based deterioration in underlying sentiment indicators. The headline figure dropped to 19 points in September from 21 points in August but remained easily above the long-term average of minus 3 points over the last 20 years and above the crucial 0-point mark that separates optimism from pessimism among consumers. The indicator has remained in optimistic territory since March 2015.
The easing of sentiment came on the back of less rosy views on the economic climate and a slightly reduced willingness to buy. The outlook on the economic climate deteriorated due to less optimism regarding the economic situation in the last 12 months and the next 12 months. The willingness of consumers to make purchases declined as they became less optimistic about their financial situation in the last 12 and the next 12 months, and became slightly less inclined to purchase durable goods.