Netherlands: Consumer confidence returns to optimistic territory
Consumer sentiment returned to optimistic territory at the start of the third quarter with the consumer confidence index rising to 2 in July from 0 in June. As a result, consumer sentiment moved further above the long-term average over the last 20 years of minus 4.
The improvement reflected a strong improvement in sentiment regarding the economic climate: Consumers’ views regarding both the economic situation in the past 12 months and the next 12 months improved. Consumers’ willingness to buy edged up too, as households consider the current time more favorable for purchasing big ticket items. Sentiment regarding households’ financial situation in the same time periods was also more upbeat.