People shopping at the Iso Omena shopping centre in Espoo. Photo: Mikko Stig / Lehtikuva
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Consumer confidence in Finland remained negative in September despite slight improvement from previous months, according to Statistics Finland.
The consumer confidence indicator reached -6.6, well below the long-term average of -2.2. While this marked a minor increase compared to August and the same time last year, overall sentiment remained subdued.
Pertti Kangassalo, senior statistician at Statistics Finland, said expectations for the Finnish economy had improved slightly.
“More people now believe the national economy will improve over the next year. But a larger number still expect the downturn to continue,” he said.
Only 15 percent of consumers considered September a good time for major purchases. Just 10 percent planned to increase spending on durable goods. In contrast, 36 percent intended to cut spending over the coming year.
Some indicators showed limited improvement. Interest in taking out loans rose slightly, and more consumers considered buying a car than earlier in the year. Intentions to buy a home, however, fell below the 2025 average.
Personal financial sentiment showed a more positive trend. “Consumers are increasingly confident about their own financial situation,” Kangassalo said. “More people expect their finances to improve over the next 12 months. Many are prioritising saving over consumption.”
Views on the employment situation remained largely pessimistic. A majority of respondents, 56 percent, believed unemployment would increase nationally within a year. Only 15 percent expected it to decrease.
One in four respondents reported a growing risk of unemployment in their own lives. Although high by historical standards, this figure was lower than the 2025 average. A growing number also felt the risk had declined.
The monthly survey by Statistics Finland reflects the opinions of about 1,000 residents aged 18 to 74, selected randomly across the country. It covers views on personal finances, national economic development, spending intentions, and employment prospects.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
