The data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics on Thursday highlights that consumer sentiment in the Netherlands dipped slightly in November, despite the unemployment rate remaining unchanged in October.
In detail, the consumer confidence index fell to -25 in November, down from -22 in October. This figure is significantly lower than the 20-year average of -10 points. Further analysis reveals that the economic climate sub-indicator declined to -43 in November, compared to -37 the previous month. This shift reflects a deteriorating perception among consumers regarding both the current and future economic situations over the next twelve months.
Meanwhile, the index assessing the willingness to purchase remained constant at -14, unchanged from October. Consumers continue to view the timing for major purchases as equally unfavorable as in the prior month.
In contrast, additional official statistics indicate that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate retained its position at 3.7 percent, slightly higher compared to 3.6 percent a year ago. Furthermore, the count of unemployed individuals decreased marginally to 376,000 in October, from 377,000 in September.
