Dutch consumer confidence hits near four-year low in March
Consumer confidence in the Netherlands has plummeted to its lowest level in nearly four years, raising concerns about economic stability. This sharp decline could signal tighter household budgets and reduced spending, directly impacting daily life and financial decisions for many citizens.
| Key Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Index | -30 (March 2026) |
| Previous Month (February 2026) | -24 |
| Largest Drop Since | Nearly four years |
| 20-Year Average | -11 |
| Economic Climate Sub-Index | -54 (March 2026) |
| Purchasing Willingness | -15 (March 2026) |
| Highest Recorded Confidence | 36 (January 2000) |
| Lowest Recorded Confidence | -59 (Sept-Oct 2022) |
| Survey Start Date | April 1986 |
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) plays a crucial role in monitoring economic trends, including consumer confidence, through monthly surveys. These insights help the government and businesses gauge economic health and make informed policy or strategic decisions.
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Consumer confidence deteriorates further in March
Consumer confidence has deteriorated further in March, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). The consumer confidence index fell from -24 in February to -30 in March, marking the largest drop in nearly four years. The assessment of the economic climate has particularly worsened. At -30, consumer confidence in March is below the twenty-year average (-11). The highest level of consumer confidence was recorded in January 2000 (36), while the lowest was in September and October 2022 (-59). The CBS has measured consumer confidence monthly since April 1986 as part of the Consumer Conjuncture Survey. The consumer confidence index is an average of five sub-questions, with the balance of positive and negative responses calculated for each question. If all consumers are positive, the balance is 100; if all are negative, it is -100.
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted average of the sub-questions
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence, seasonally adjusted
Consumers more pessimistic about economic climate
Consumers were more pessimistic about the economy in March than in February. The economic climate sub-index dropped from -42 to -54. The assessment of the economic situation over the next twelve months has worsened significantly, and the view of the past twelve months has also deteriorated.
Purchasing willingness declines
Purchasing willingness stood at -15 in March, down from -11 in February. Both the assessment of the financial situation over the past twelve months and the outlook for the next twelve months have worsened. Consumers also consider the timing for making large purchases less favorable in March compared to February.
Consumer confidence sub-indicators, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence sub-indicators, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence sub-indicators, seasonally adjusted
Consumer confidence sub-indicators, seasonally adjusted
Sources
Relevant links
- Research description - Consumer Conjuncture Survey (CCO)
- Dossier - Economic cycle