Consumer confidence climbs to 9 year high

The mood among Dutch consumers improved again in October, climbing to the highest level of consumer confidence in nine years, according to Statistics Netherlands. Consumer confidences increased by four points to 12 in October. The last time the consumer confidence indicator was at this level was in August 2007. The Dutch's willingness to buy increased strongly. And consumers are somewhat more positive about the economic climate. In August consumers spent 1 percent more than in the same month last year, according to Statistics Netherlands. Spending on services - such as rent, hairdressers and public transport - increased the most with 1.6 percent. Spending on services accounted for over half of domestic consumer spending. Spending on food and recreation increased by 0.4 percent and spending on other goods such as fuel increased by 0.2 percent. Spending on durable goods remained about the same as last year.