Consumer confidence in Finland fell again in April, with expectations for both personal finances and the national economy declining amid global uncertainty and rising costs.
Statistics Finland reported that the consumer confidence indicator dropped to -12.5 in April, down from -11.5 in March and -10.5 in February. The data shows a steady decline since late 2025.
Only 14 per cent of respondents said they expect Finland’s economy to improve over the next year. A total of 47 per cent expect conditions to worsen.
Statistics Finland said expectations for personal finances also weakened. In April, 28 per cent of consumers said their financial situation was worse than a year earlier, while 19 per cent said it had improved. A total of 23 per cent expect their finances to deteriorate over the next 12 months.
“The global situation and its consequences, such as rising fuel prices, are reflected in Finland and in consumer sentiment,” said senior statistician Pertti Kangassalo in the release. “Across the EU and the euro area, economic confidence has declined sharply. In Finland, the weakening has continued since November.”
Inflation expectations also rose. Consumers estimated that prices had increased by 4.9 per cent compared with April last year and expect a further rise of 4.4 per cent over the coming year.
Kangassalo said consumer estimates often exceed official figures but added that changes in direction carry more weight than the levels themselves.
“Inflation, employment and wage development, and for borrowers interest rate changes, all affect purchasing power. It is not surprising that concern about personal finances has increased,” he said.
The data shows a decline in spending plans. Intentions to buy a home fell to 9.5 per cent, the lowest level recorded in the current century. Plans for home renovation also remained below average.
Kangassalo said changes in housing intentions have been small in percentage terms but noted that the April figure marks a low point in long-term data, with similar levels seen only a few times in recent years.
Statistics Finland said the findings reflect weaker sentiment across households as cost pressures and external factors shape expectations for the year ahead.
HT
