Eurozone Consumer Confidence Weaker than Expected

Consumer confidence in the Euro Area fell to -16.5 in September 2026 from -15.5 in August and worse than market forecasts of -16, according to flash estimates. This puts an end to a four-month streak of improvement, which had lifted the index to a six-month high, likely influenced by heightened geopolitical uncertainty and inflation concerns. Sentiment also weakened across the broader European Union, with the index falling to -15.8 from -15 in the previous month.

Consumer confidence in the euro area edged up to -15.5 in August 2026 from -15.9 in July, in line with the preliminary estimate. The increase marked the fourth consecutive monthly improvement, bringing confidence to its highest level since February. Sentiment across the broader European Union strengthened marginally, with the index rising to -15 from -15.1. Consumers were somewhat less pessimistic about their household’s future and past financial situation. However, the improvement was tempered by weaker spending intentions, with consumers less inclined to make major purchases over the next 12 months, while their expectations for the broader economic outlook also deteriorated.

Consumer confidence in the Euro Area rose for a fourth straight month to -15.5 in August 2026 from -15.9 in July and compared to forecasts of -16.3, preliminary estimates showed. This marked the strongest reading since February, even as the Middle East conflict continued to pose risks to inflation and the broader economic outlook. Sentiment also strengthened slightly across the broader European Union, with the index improving to -15 from -15.1 in the previous month.