Netherlands: Consumer sentiment stable in December
Sentiment among Dutch consumers was unchanged in December from the prior month at minus 2. The index therefore remained below the neutral zero-threshold that separates pessimism from optimism; however, the reading came in above the long-term average of minus 4.
The no-change in December masked deteriorating views on the economic climate, however. The outlook on the economic situation worsened on the back of consumers’ less rosy assessment of the economy in the past year while sentiment regarding the economy in the year ahead worsened notably. On the other hand, households’ willingness to buy was unchanged as slightly less pessimistic views on households’ financial situation in the past 12 months offset a downtick in consumers’ optimistic views on the suitability of the current situation to purchase big ticket items.