Belgium's consumer confidence indicator fell to -7 in August 2026 from -5 in July, extending its negative streak to six months. Concern about unemployment increased, with the related index rising to 16 from 14, a 16-month high, while consumers' assessment of Belgium's general economic situation worsened to -32 from -27. Expectations for household saving capacity edged down to 22 from 23, although perceptions of household financial conditions were unchanged at -2 for a third consecutive month. The National Bank of Belgium's survey also found greater hesitation about major purchases, suggesting potential pressure on private consumption. The reading remains above the indicator's historical low of -27 recorded during the 2020 pandemic peak and above the eurozone average of -13 in August. Persistent inflation in food and housing, sluggish growth and geopolitical tensions are weighing on sentiment, though economists caution that one month's movement does not establish a sustained downturn. The National Bank expects modest economic growth in the second half of the year, with its September quarterly forecast being watched for possible revisions.