Dutch Consumers Slightly Less Pessimistic in September

Consumer confidence in the Netherlands edged up to -33 in September 2026 from -34 in August, reaching its least pessimistic level since March, although it remained well below the 20-year average of -12. The improvement was driven by greater willingness to buy, which rose to -17 from -19, supported by a more positive outlook for household finances over the next 12 months, with the balance improving to 0 from -3. Views on the timing of major purchases also strengthened, to -35 from -37. By contrast, the economic climate indicator deteriorated to -58 from -57, as consumers became more pessimistic about both the past 12 months, with the balance falling to -65 from -64, and the outlook for the next year, which slipped to -50 from -49. Assessments of personal finances over the past year were unchanged at -16.

Consumer confidence in the Netherlands improved to -34 in August 2026 from -35 in July, marking the highest reading since March but remaining well below its long-term average of -12 over the past 20 years. The improvement was mainly driven by a less negative assessment of the economic climate, which rose to -57 from -59, as consumers became less pessimistic about both the economic situation over the past 12 months and expectations for the year ahead. Willingness to buy remained unchanged at -19. Consumers were slightly more negative about their financial situation, with the assessment of the past 12 months falling to -16 from -15 and expectations for the next 12 months declining to -3 from -2. However, views on the timing of major purchases improved, with the balance rising to -37 from -40. Despite the modest improvement, confidence remained well below its long-term average and far below the record high of +36 reached in January 2000.

Consumer confidence in the Netherlands improved to -35 in July 2026 from -39 in June, marking a further recovery but remaining well below its long-term average of -11 over the past 20 years. The improvement was mainly driven by a less negative assessment of the economic climate, which rose to -59 from -64, as consumers became more optimistic about both the economic situation over the past 12 months and expectations for the year ahead. Willingness to buy also strengthened to -19 from -22, supported by improved views of household finances and a more favorable assessment of major purchases. The assessment of the financial situation over the past year improved to -15 from -16, while expectations for the next 12 months rose to -2 from -6. The view on the timing for major purchases increased to -40 from -44. Despite the improvement, confidence remained below its long-term average and far below the record high of +36 reached in January 2000.