Finnish Consumer Mood Falls to 5-Month Low

Finland’s consumer confidence indicator dropped to -9.7 in October 2026 from -4.9 in September, marking its lowest reading since May and falling far below the long-term average of -2.9. The decline came as consumers expected the country’s economy to weaken sharply over the next 12 months (-14.1 vs -4.7 in September). Meanwhile, their assessment of their current personal financial situation became more negative (-4.4 vs -1.9), while confidence in their own financial situation over the next 12 months deteriorated sharply (2.3 vs 8.1). Consumers continued to regard the timing for purchasing durable goods as unfavorable (-22.2 vs -12.7), while spending intentions weakened (-22.6 vs -17.8), as did intentions to save (-14.9 vs -6.6). Unemployment expectations also became more pessimistic (-17.4 vs -14.9), while inflation expectations rose to 4.6% from 4.2% 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.