Rabobank

The war in Iran is acting as a major brake on the Dutch economy, with Rabobank warning that growth will slow across every sector as energy and transport costs climb. Manufacturing, construction, and transport are expected to be hit hardest, potentially seeing growth stall or even shrink if oil prices reach $150 per barrel. While the healthcare sector remains resilient due to an ageing population, a shift toward more cautious consumer spending is likely to hurt retailers and the hospitality industry, as geopolitical uncertainty forces both businesses and households to tighten their belts.

Rabobank has reported its second-highest annual profit, despite setting aside more money for potential loan losses linked to global trade tensions. The bank says customers are largely coping well so far, even as it prepares for possible economic disruption. Its strong capital position has opened the door to future growth and acquisitions.

The flow in the housing market will continue to be under pressure, says De Hypotheker. This is the result of tightened mortgage rules, making...