National Bank of Belgium – Consumer Survey (April 2011)

Consumer confidence in Belgium picked up slightly in April following a significant decline the previous month, a National Bank of Belgium consumer survey, published on Wednesday, said.

The survey, which provides information on consumers' confidence regarding the progress of the economy, said consumers were "painting a rosier picture" of future economic developments in Belgium compared to March. The consumer confidence indicator rose from –2 in March to –1 in April, but remained below 1 recorded in February.

However, the survey said for the first time in almost a year, public expectations regarding unemployment had deteriorated, with expectations for the next 12 months up one point on the consumer confidence indicator scale.

After a sharp dip in the previous month, households, however, gave a less gloomy view of their future financial situation. Their prospects for saving, which had also dropped back noticeably in March, nevertheless remained unchanged, the survey said.

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