Cees Bruggemans Continue Quotations

Consumer confidence is poised to remain strong during 2006, which will continue to support consumer spending.

The rise in consumer confidence in general indicates that consumers' willingness to spend additional income and incur more debt remains strong. Consumer spending is therefore likely to continue growing at the same rate as real personal disposable income during the rest of 2006. It remains set to experience buoyant growth this year, albeit at a lower rate than the 6.9% recorded in 2005.