News

Dutch pension funds reduced their exposure to the US last year while increasing investments in European bonds, DNB reported. Government bonds from Germany and Spain were especially popular. The shift reflects efforts to rebalance portfolios after years of rising share prices.

Inflation in the Netherlands increased to 2.7 percent in March, driven largely by higher energy and fuel prices, CBS reported. The rise follows the outbreak of war in the Middle East, which has pushed up oil and gas costs. Economists and the ECB warn that prolonged conflict could keep inflation under pressure.

Customer data from camping provider Roan has been stolen in a security breach affecting parts of the holiday sector. While no financial details were taken, the incident may still raise concerns among travellers. The company says it has identified and blocked the source of the breach.

Dutch refineries are running at full capacity to meet rising demand for diesel and jet fuel amid global shortages linked to the Iran war. While supply remains stable in the Netherlands, parts of Asia are already facing shortages. High prices are expected to persist as global supply struggles to keep up.

European chip stocks declined after Google unveiled a new technology that could reduce demand for memory. Despite this, broader markets in Amsterdam and across Europe ended the day higher. Oil prices and geopolitical tensions also remained in focus.

The RIVM is calling on people to stay alert for tick bites during Tick Awareness Week. Reports on Tekenradar.nl have increased, raising the risk of Lyme disease. Health services advise thorough checks after time in nature or even in the garden.

The Dutch government plans to introduce new doctoral degrees for practice‑based research at universities of applied sciences. The proposal includes two new titles and aims to give existing pilot programmes official status. If approved, the first candidates could begin in 2027.

Egg prices in the Netherlands have reached a record level after rising 38 percent in five years. A new survey links the increase to bird flu and reduced supply. The study also highlights unexpected price differences between supermarkets and pack sizes.