Economy

Dutch hospitality businesses are seeing little additional revenue during the World Cup, according to industry group KHN. Interest may rise only if the Dutch team progresses further in the tournament, though some cafés are organising activities for matches with strong local fan bases. Earlier tournaments show only modest revenue peaks, with restaurants often seeing fewer visitors during games.

Fixed energy contract rates in the Netherlands are now 13% higher than before the start of the Iran war, according to new figures from the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). Variable tariffs have not yet risen, but many suppliers traditionally adjust prices on 1 July. Reduced oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz have pushed up wholesale gas prices, while more Dutch households are opting for fixed‑rate contracts.

RaboResearch economists project that Dutch house price growth will stall at zero percent for the remainder of 2026 due to economic fallout from the Middle East conflict. Rising inflation is driving up mortgage interest rates, which reduces household borrowing capacity and dampens demand despite rising wages. Furthermore, grid congestion, high construction costs, and nitrogen restrictions will cause new home completions to drop sharply next year.

Inflation in the Netherlands climbed further in May, driven by higher flight costs, holiday demand, and rising energy prices. The increase keeps Dutch inflation above the eurozone average. Economists warn that ongoing geopolitical tensions could push prices up further.

Kifid has ruled that banks do not have to compensate victims who transfer money to fraudsters themselves during helpdesk scams. The institute says the crucial question is whether a payment is authorised or unauthorised. Only unauthorised payments normally lead to reimbursement, unless the consumer acted with serious negligence.

VNO-NCW chair Coen van Oostrom hopes the Netherlands can avoid cuts to social security and instead seek broader solutions. His comments come after unions ended talks with the government and announced strikes over proposed changes to benefits and pensions.

Rosneft head Igor Sechin stated that American energy companies are the primary beneficiaries of the Strait of Hormuz's closure, which he claims is an attempt to reshape global markets in favor of U.S. interests. However, he warned that the resulting price hikes and blockade backfired globally, underestimating strategic risks and potentially driving long-term interest toward alternative energy.

The AEX index in Amsterdam closed 0.6% lower on Friday at 1041.10 points, dragged down by payment provider Adyen, which plunged nearly 9% following a negative US analyst report warning of lost market share and rising competition. Semiconductor giants ASMI, Besi, and ASML also suffered losses of up to 4.3% following global tech declines, while steelmaker ArcelorMittal fell 4.7%. These losses offset gains by consumer giant Unilever, which jumped over 3%, and Heineken, which rose 1.9% amidst shareholder pressure to break with tradition and hire an external CEO to replace Dolf van den Brink. Elsewhere, Air France-KLM dipped 1.2% after a Barclays downgrade, and global oil prices slid by up to 2.6%.