BRUSSELS: Belgium’s consumer confidence index fell in June as households became less confident about the labour market and their ability to save, the central bank said on Tuesday.
The index dropped to -2 points in June from zero in May. June 2017 May 2017 June 2016 Belgian economy 4 3 -11 Unemployment 8 6 12 Household finances -1 -1 -2 Ability to save -2 4 0 Overall index -2 0 -6 (The numbers represent Belgian consumers’ outlook for the next 12 months.
For unemployment, a positive figure means the perception has deteriorated) The index is based on a monthly telephone survey of more than 1,000 consumers on their outlook for the country’s job and economic prospects as well as their own financial situation and ability to save money.
The index is the balance of positive and negative replies, with a figure of zero meaning Belgians are evenly split on whether things will improve or worsen for consumers in the next year. A similar survey is used by all European Union member countries.