Finnish Consumer Morale Weakens in September

Finland’s consumer confidence indicator declined to -4.9 in September 2026 from -3.0 in August, which was the highest since February 2022. The latest reading remained below the long-term average of -2.9. The decrease came as consumers expected the country’s economy to weaken sharply over the next 12 months (-4.7 vs -2.4 in August), while their assessment of their current personal financial situation moved into negative territory (-1.9 vs 0.1), and confidence about their own finances over the next 12 months deteriorated (5.8 vs 8.1). Consumers continued to regard the timing for purchasing durable goods as unfavorable (-13.0 vs -12.7), while their spending intentions weakened (-18.7 vs -17.8). Meanwhile, their intention to save improved (-4.6 vs -6.6). Unemployment expectations were also less pessimistic (-14.6 vs -14.9), while inflation expectations eased slightly to 4.1% from 4.2% in August.

Finland’s consumer confidence indicator increased to -3.0 in August 2026 from -5.3 in each of the previous two months. It was the highest reading since February 2022, when the indicator was in positive territory, though it remained slightly below the long-term average of -2.9. Consumers expected the country’s economy to strengthen sharply over the next 12 months (-2.4 vs -4.7 in July), while their assessment of their current personal financial situation turned positive (0.1 vs -2.2), and confidence about their own finances over the next 12 months remained steady (at 8.1). Consumers continued to regard the timing for purchasing durable goods as less unfavorable (-12.7 vs -15.9), while their intention to save improved (-6.6 vs -9.6), as did their spending intentions (-17.8 vs -22.4). Unemployment expectations were also less pessimistic (-14.9 vs -19.5), while inflation expectations increased to 4.2% from 3.7% in July.

Finland’s consumer confidence stood at -5.3 in July 2026, unchanged from the previous month and remaining well below the long-term average of -2.9. Still, it was the highest reading since February 2022, when the indicator was last in positive territory. Expectations for the national economy over the next 12 months improved slightly (8.1 vs 7.0 in June), while views on Finland's economy also became less pessimistic (-4.7 vs -6.3). Households were slightly more optimistic about their own finances (-2.2 vs -3.0), although assessments of the current economic situation remained weak. Consumers continued to view the timing for purchasing durable goods as highly unfavorable (-15.9 vs -13.0), with spending intentions declining further (-22.4 vs -18.8). Meanwhile, unemployment expectations remained pessimistic (-19.5 vs -18.7), while inflation expectations eased to 3.7% from 3.9% in June.