Economy

Dutch household purchasing power is set to contract by 0.3% in 2027 as planned income tax increases take effect, according to new forecasts from the Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis (CPB). While 2026 will offer brief respite with a modest 0.6% gain as pay growth outpaces inflation, almost all demographics face a squeeze by 2027, with childless families hit hardest. Pensioners remain the main exception due to recent pension indexation reforms, while expanded housing benefit eligibility will help keep national poverty levels broadly stable at around 460,000 to 470,000 people.

Amsterdam’s AEX index extended its record rally on Friday morning, rising 0.3% to 1,123.44 points after opening, driven by ~3% gains in RELX and Wolters Kluwer. Broader market sentiment was bolstered by Wall Street's overnight record high, where optimism mounted that the US Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady in September. Meanwhile, the MidKap added 0.4% and Frankfurt gained 0.6%, while markets in Paris and London remained virtually flat.

A new ECB survey shows a slight rebound in cash acceptance: 92% of businesses now allow cash payments, reversing the downward trend seen during and after the pandemic.

Fastned opened a record 28 new fast‑charging stations in the first half of 2026, boosting revenue and reducing net losses while maintaining strong growth expectations.

Dutch households are increasingly shifting away from fixed energy contracts, opting instead for variable and dynamic options as wholesale market volatility continues.

Inflation in the Netherlands increased to 3.2% in July, slightly higher than initially estimated. Rising fuel, energy and import costs pushed prices up, while slower growth in housing costs helped limit the increase.

ING economist Rico Luman says the Netherlands can cope better with low Rhine water levels because it has more navigable routes. Germany faces major disruption, with ships loading only a fraction of their capacity and industries struggling to stay supplied. Dutch companies are improvising with ships, rail, and road, but delays and higher costs continue to rise.

Institutional investors are buying thousands of homes, yet the private rental supply keeps shrinking. CBRE warns that most purchased homes end up being sold instead of rented out, leaving students and young first‑time buyers with fewer options. The trend is likely to continue for years.