Financial behaviour of Dutch households: analysis of the DNB Household Survey 2003

This paper presents an analysis of the financial behaviour of Dutch households on the basis of the DNB Household Survey. The results of this survey provide insight into the backgrounds and consequences of the persistent rise of household debt. The increase in mortgage debt is related to mortgage equity withdrawal. The financial vulnerability of households turns out to have increased, especially the sensitivity to interest rate movements. This contribution also looks into investors' response to the creeping crash on stock markets since 2000. While the majority have largely held on to their portfolios, they have become more cautious. One of the main themes of the survey is Dutch households' attitude towards pensions. The survey reveals that in a great many cases the individual's insight into his or her pension arrangement is deficient, to say the least. Regarding every retrenchment of the current schemes for the 65-plus as an infringement on acquired rights, the majority of the Dutch public is opposed to such measures. They would rather pay a higher premium in order to be able to enjoy the present level of pension benefits.