2026.04.2204:40:11UTC+00Dutch Consumer Confidence Weakest Since 2023

Consumer confidence in the Netherlands fell sharply to -44 in April 2026 from -30 in March, reaching its lowest level since February 2023 and marking the second-largest monthly decline since records began in 1986. Households’ assessment of the economic climate weakened substantially, with the related index dropping to -72 from -54, reflecting a notably more pessimistic view of both current conditions and the outlook for the coming year. Assessments of the economic situation over the past twelve months, as well as expectations for the next twelve months, both worsened, driving a broad-based decline in sentiment. Willingness to buy also fell sharply, to -26 from -15, its steepest decline since April 2020, signaling increased reluctance among households to make major purchases. Perceptions of personal financial conditions deteriorated as well, with consumers reporting more negative views of both their finances over the past year and their expectations for the year ahead.