EU Consumer Confidence

Key takeaways

• EU consumer confidence stood at -15.8 in September 2026, against -15.0 on average over the last twelve months and a low of -28.4 in September 2022.
• The indicator averages balances of optimistic minus pessimistic survey answers, so zero is neutral and negative values mean pessimism prevails.
• Negative readings are the norm for this indicator, so compare a reading with its own recent history rather than with zero.
• The survey is identical across all EU countries, so national readings from the same survey compare directly with this line, and the EU27 aggregate smooths national swings.
• Turns in confidence often show up in discretionary spending a few months later, which makes this an early planning signal rather than a sales forecast.

The data

What this means for e-commerce and DTC brands

For brands selling across Europe this is the continental mood line that national readings should be judged against. When the EU line improves while a national market stays gloomy, that market has a local problem rather than a European one, and budget cases should reflect the difference. It is also an early warning for discretionary categories: a sustained slide in confidence tends to show up in smaller baskets and more discount-driven buying before it reaches the official retail sales figures, which gives you time to adjust inventory buys and promotional plans.

What this statistic does not tell you

The indicator measures sentiment, not spending, and the link to actual purchases is loose over short periods. It is an aggregate, so segment and national moods can diverge underneath it. Balances are noisy month to month, and the trend over several months is the reliable signal.

Frequently asked questions