Consumer confidence in the Netherlands inched up to -33 in September 2026 from -34 in August, marking the least pessimistic reading since March. Nonetheless, the index remained well below its 20-year long-term average of -12.
The improvement was mainly driven by stronger willingness to buy, which rose to -17 from -19. Consumers became more optimistic about their financial situation over the next 12 months, with that balance improving to 0 from -3, while perceptions of the suitability of the moment for major purchases also improved, to -35 from -37.
By contrast, the economic climate indicator deteriorated to -58 from -57. Consumers grew more pessimistic about the economic situation over the past 12 months, with that balance weakening to -65 from -64, and about the outlook for the next 12 months, which slipped to -50 from -49. Assessments of personal finances over the past year were unchanged at -16.
Despite the slight uptick, confidence remained far below the record high of +36 recorded in January 2000.
