Consumer Confidence in Finland Reaches Over One-Year High in April 2023, Says Statistics Finland

Consumer confidence in Finland improved in April 2023, with the balance figure of the consumer confidence indicator rising from -10.8 in March to -7.9 in April, and was higher than the -11.7 figure recorded in April 2022. Expectations for the Finnish economy also improved, but were still relatively weak, while intentions to purchase durable goods remained low. The perception of the current situation concerning the economy remained weak compared to the same period last year. Consumer confidence was strongest in Greater Helsinki and weakest in Eastern Finland, and pensioners were the most pessimistic, while upper-level salaried employees were the most optimistic. Additionally, consumers’ expectations of their own and Finland’s economy in the next 12 months improved, but expectations of rising inflation continued to fall gradually. In terms of spending, the time was still considered unfavorable for making purchases, with intentions to buy a dwelling recording an average rate.