Netherlands: Consumer sentiment inches down in November
Dutch consumers became slightly more pessimistic in November, with the index inching down to minus 2 from minus 1 in October. Consequently, the index remained below the zero-threshold that separates pessimism from optimism; however, the print remained above the long-term average of minus 4.
The slight deterioration in consumer sentiment came on the back of worsening views of the economic climate; consumers viewed both the economic situation in the year ahead and in the past 12 months less favorably. On the other hand, households’ willingness to buy was unchanged, driven by a more upbeat outlook on households’ financial situation over the next 12 months offsetting a slightly less optimistic view on the suitability of the current situation to purchase big ticket items.