Netherlands Unemployment (% of active population, aop)

Unemployment Rate in Netherlands

After rebounding in sequential terms in Q4 last year, activity contracted in Q1 this year. Declining exports, stagnating private consumption and slower public spending growth more than offset an acceleration in investment. Turning to Q2, our panelists project a rebound. In April, wages accelerated, inflation decelerated, and the unemployment rate fell further compared to the Q1 averages. Moreover, consumer confidence improved in April–May, and the energy price cap in place since January continued to support disposable income, boding well for private consumption. That said, business optimism and hiring intentions fell in April compared to the Q1 average. In politics, on the heels of their victory in the provincial elections in March, the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) is set to become a significant force in the Senate after the elections on 30 May.