CBA: Nine in ten Aruba consumers say buying power has fallen

ORANJESTAD – Consumer confidence in Aruba improved slightly in the second quarter of 2026, but sentiment remains clearly negative. Nine in ten respondents say they can buy less with the same income than they could six months ago.

According to the latest Consumer Confidence Survey by the Central Bank of Aruba, the confidence index rose by about one point to nearly 94. A reading of 100 is considered neutral.

Purchasing power remains the main concern. About 90% say their income buys less, while more than 90% expect prices to rise further over the next six months. Nearly half are saving less, while almost three in ten are not saving at all.

Almost half of households report that their financial situation deteriorated during the past six months. Consumers also remain cautious about major financial commitments: nearly two-thirds say it is not a good time to take out a mortgage, around 60% say the same about other loans, and more than half consider it a poor time to buy a car. 

Although pessimism has eased somewhat, consumer confidence continues to lag behind business confidence, which increased during the same quarter.