Dutch consumer confidence at highest level in 9.5 years

This month consumer confidence in the Netherlands rose by one point to 14, reaching its highest level in 9.5 years, Statistics Netherlands announced on Monday. The slight rise can be attributed to more positive feelings about the economy and a slightly higher willingness to spend money, according to the statistics office.

At 14 points the consumer confidence level is well above the average -8 of the past 20 years. Consumer confidence reached its highest level in April 2000 when it stood at 27 points. Its low point was -44 in February 2013.

Statistics Netherlands also announced that consumer spending rose by 2.5 percent in December, compared with the same month in 2015. Consumers spent more on household appliances, home furnishings and cars. Gas consumption also increased significantly due to cold weather that month.