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Data from FMP. Forecasts by Sigmanomics Forecast Engine.
NetherlandsNetherlands Business Confidence climbed to 3.7% in August 2026
FMPMonthlyReleased August 2026
Netherlands Business Confidence climbed to 3.7% in August 2026, up 1.3% from July's 2.4% reading. The print exceeded the 2.8% consensus by 0.9%. The print is running well above the 12-month average of -0.41%. Over the past 3 months, Business Confidence averaged 2.03%, vs -1.24% in the prior 3-month window. Business Confidence is now the highest in 26 months.
Latest Release
3.7
Actual
2.8
Consensus
2.4
Previous
Median Absolute Error
±1.19 percentage points
across last 12 releases
Last Call
Aug 2026
Predicted: 4.23
Actual: 3.7
Error: +0.52
Sigmacast Σ-direction model: consensus + ½ × mean(surprise, trailing 90d).
THE RELEASE
Business Confidence (Netherlands) was reported at 3.7% in August 2026. This beat the market consensus of 2.8% by 0.9%. The reading rose from the previous value of 2.4%. Trailing 12-month context per ETL data through August 2026. Over the past 12 months, the indicator has averaged -0.28%, ranging from -2% to 3.7% across 15 releases.
WHY IT MATTERS
The indicator has been trending upward over the last three releases. The trailing three releases averaged 2.47%, up from the prior three at -1.57%. Volatility over the past year (σ 1.65%) is higher than the prior year (σ 1.3%). In August readings over the past 3 years, Business Confidence has averaged -0.13%.
THE MODEL'S TAKE
Over the last 12 releases, the Sigmacast model's median absolute error is 1.19%.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
The next release is scheduled for September 30, 2026. Same-country events in the next 14 days include Consumer Confidence (Sep 22).
Auto-generated from current model state · Refreshes on each release · Last update August 2026.
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Business Confidence - NL
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About Business Confidence — Netherlands
DEFINITION
Business Confidence is a financial indicator that measures the level of optimism or pessimism among business owners and managers about the current and future state of the economy. It is often used as a gauge of overall economic health and can impact investment decisions, hiring practices, and consumer spending. A high level of business confidence indicates a positive outlook and potential for growth, while a low level may signal caution and potential economic downturn. This indicator is closely monitored by economists, policymakers, and investors to assess the overall sentiment and potential direction of the business sector.
WHY THIS INDICATOR MATTERS
Sentiment surveys are forward-looking inputs that often lead hard data on output and hiring. Sharp swings can drive cross-asset repricing. The release is more useful as part of a longer-run signal than as a single-print catalyst. Released monthly.
WHAT CHANGED THIS MONTH
Latest reading (Aug 2026): actual 3.7 %, consensus 2.8 %. Prior reading (Jul 2026): 2.4 %. Before that (Jun 2026): 1.3 %.
WHAT'S NEXT
Sigmacast's 1-month forecast points to a materially higher reading versus the latest print, with the 3-month outlook reinforcing that direction. Both horizons are aligned bullish for this indicator, suggesting a consistent trend signal. Trend-driven dynamics are the primary tailwind in the current projection.
Σ
EXPECTED ZONE
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Economic Calendar - NL Events
| Thursday, September 17, 2026 | Actual | Previous | Consensus | Sigmanomics Rolling-Surprise Forecast | Impact | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:30 | NL | Unemployment Rate | 4 | 4 | 4.1 | 4.02 | Medium |