Confidence indicators edge down from a high level
Business confidence in Finland remained at a healthy level in the September survey, although some confidence indicators declined from the previous month’s peak. Confidence in the construction sector strengthened compared with August.
Business Confidence Indicators September 2026
Last updated
Manufacturing confidence indicator down a couple of points from the previous month
Manufacturing confidence weakened slightly in September. The confidence indicator stood at +3, compared with a revised balance figure of +5 in the previous month. Confidence nevertheless remained somewhat above its long-term average of 0.
Production expectations for the coming months remained positive, and output is expected to increase towards the end of the year. Order books were unchanged, while stocks of finished goods rose slightly. In the latest survey, 66% of respondents reported operating at full capacity.
According to comparative data measured in August, confidence among Finnish manufacturing companies was clearly above the EU average.
Construction confidence improved in September. The confidence indicator rose to -2, up from a revised reading of -8 in the previous month. According to the latest survey, confidence has already moved slightly above its long-term average level.Construction companies’ assessments of their order books have improved somewhat, and employment expectations are also stronger than in previous months.
According to comparative data collected in August, the confidence indicator for Finland’s construction sector was fairly close to the average level recorded across EU countries.
Services confidence indicator slightly below the previous month’s peak
Services confidence edged down slightly in September from the previous month’s peak. The confidence indicator declined to +13, compared with a reading of +16 in August. Nevertheless, confidence remained somewhat above its long-term average of +11.
According to service-sector companies, the overall business climate has remained favourable in early autumn. Sales have continued to grow at a fairly solid pace, and moderate growth is expected in the coming months.
According to comparative data collected in August, economic confidence among Finnish service companies was clearly stronger than the EU average.
Retail trade confidence declines from a high level
Retail confidence weakened in September from the previous month’s peak. The confidence indicator fell to +10, compared with a balance figure of +17 in August. Nevertheless, the indicator remains clearly above its long-term average of -2.
Retail sales continued to grow at a strong pace, although growth moderated somewhat. Expectations for the coming months also remain positive. Inventories increased somewhat compared with the previous month.
According to the survey conducted in August, confidence in Finland’s retail sector was significantly higher than the average level across EU countries.
