Dutch consumer confidence negative for first time in years

The confidence of Dutch consumers is negative for the first time in four years. Both consumers' opinion of the economic climate and their willingness to buy declined somewhat, according to figures Statistics Netherlands released on Wednesday.

In February consumer confidence stood at -2, compared to 1 in January. Consumers are less positive about the economy than in January, with the economic sub-indicator falling from 3 to 1. Dutch consumers are also more negative about their financial situation, and therefore less willing to make large purchases, according to the stats office.

Despite the decline, consumer confidence is still above the average over the past 20 years, -3. Consumer confidence reached the highest level ever in January 2000, standing at 36. The low point, -41, was reached in March 2013.