FX.co ★ Dutch Household Spending Growth Picks Up in August

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 2.1% year-on-year in August 2026, up from 1.2% in July and representing the strongest increase in three months. Spending on consumer goods grew by 3.1%, driven by a 5.5% surge in durable goods, as households purchased more cars, electrical appliances, and household items. Expenditure on food, beverages, and tobacco increased by 2.1%, while consumption of other goods slipped by 0.1%, mainly reflecting reduced spending on motor fuels. Expenditure on services also gained momentum, rising by 1.4%, supported by higher spending on transport and communication, medical services, recreation and culture, housing, and hospitality. Services account for well over half of total domestic household consumption. Meanwhile, consumption conditions became slightly less favorable in September, as manufacturers grew less optimistic about future employment and consumers turned more pessimistic about unemployment.