The HDE consumption barometer rose further to 97.54 in December. In November the value was 97.25 and in October it was 96.13. The barometer is based on a monthly survey of 1,600 people; the value for November 2017 is defined as the index value 100.
However, there is still a cautious consumer mood, as shown by the decreasing increase in December. The propensity to buy rose only minimally from 88.22 to 88.27. Economic expectations rose from 79.39 to 80.67, but were still at 84.80 in August. According to the HDE, a rapid and noticeable recovery in private consumption is currently not expected. However, the improving consumer mood could provide a slight boost to the Christmas business. Overall, consumer sentiment has not yet recovered sustainably in 2024. Private consumption is therefore expected to continue to be a driver of overall economic growth in the first few months of the new year.