Consumer confidence in Finland declined further in April 2026, with the consumer confidence indicator falling to -12.5, according to new data from Statistics Finland.
This compares to an indicator reading of -11.5 in March and -10.5 in February. A year ago, the figure stood at -7.4, while the long-term average is -2.9.
‘Consumers’ assessments of the current state of their own finances and their expectations for their own and Finland’s economy at the end of the year were at an exceptionally low level in April,’ Kauppa, the Finish Commerce Federation, said in a statement.
‘More than three-quarters of respondents considered Finland’s economic situation to be weaker now than a year earlier, and only a few expected the situation to strengthen over the coming year.’
Consumer sentiment
Statistics Finland’s data indicates a continued weakening in consumer sentiment since the end of 2025. Assessments of both personal finances and the country’s economy were reported at low levels.
More than three-quarters said Finland’s economic situation was worse than a year earlier, and only a small share expected improvement over the coming year.
Expectations related to employment also remain in negative territory. A majority of respondents anticipated an increase in unemployment, while only 13% believed it would decrease. Among those in work, concern about job security remained elevated.
‘At the same time, consumers’ estimates of inflation rose,’ Kauppa added. ‘Respondents estimated that consumer prices had risen by almost five percent during the year and predicted that prices would continue to rise in the coming year.
‘A large proportion of consumers expected prices to rise at least at the same pace in the coming months.’
Spending intentions reflected this outlook, with the period viewed as unfavourable for making large purchases or purchasing durable goods, and many respondents indicated plans to reduce such spending.
Although borrowing conditions were seen as unfavourable, interest in taking out loans remained relatively stable. Consumers’ views on their ability to save were slightly weaker than usual, but most still expected to be able to save over the next year.
Weak demand
Separate data from the Confederation of Finnish Industries (EK) indicates that while some improvement has been observed in industrial activity, demand in service sectors remains subdued.
‘Weak demand remains the biggest obstacle to growth for companies, and global risks, cost pressures and uncertainty related to interest rate developments will limit the recovery of the domestic market in the coming months,’ Kauppa added. Read more here.
