Netherlands: Consumer confidence steady but remains in negative territory in October
Consumer confidence came in at minus 59.0 in October, matching September’s reading. Consequently, the index remained below the 0-threshold, pointing to sustained pessimism among consumers.
The reading reflected more downbeat views regarding the economic climate in both the previous 12 and the next 12 months. Furthermore, willingness to buy fell to a record low in the month as elevated inflation has eroded real incomes: Consumers’ attitudes towards their financial position in the past 12 and the next 12 months deteriorated, and consumers viewed the current situation as less suitable to purchase big-ticket items.