Dutch consumers spend more; confidence down

In March Dutch consumers spent 1.6 percent more than in the same month last year, according to Statistics Netherlands. Dutch especially spent more on clothing, shoes, home furnishings and services. This month consumer confidence is down 3 points to 23.

Services accounted for more than half of Dutch consumer spending in March. Spending on services increased by 1.9 percent compared to a year earlier. Housing rentals, public transit, restaurants, insurance and hairdressers, among others, fall under services.

Spending on food was about the same as in March last year. Spending on other goods decreased, especially on gas.

According to Statistics Netherlands, the conditions for consumption are more favorable in May than they wre in March. Despite this consumers are less positive in May. Both consumers' opinion about the economic climate and their willingness to buy deteriorated in May.