The ECB Consumer Expectations Survey for April 2026 shows increased inflation perceptions, decreased income expectations, and mixed outlooks on economic growth and housing. Results scheduled for release on June 26, 2026.
The European Central Bank has published the consumer expectations survey results for April 2026. Key findings include a significant increase in perceived inflation over the past 12 months, rising from 3.5% in March to 4.0% in April.
Expectations for inflation over the next 12 months remained at 4.0%, while expectations for inflation three years ahead decreased slightly to 2.9%. Expectations for inflation five years ahead stayed unchanged at 2.4%.
Consumers’ nominal income growth expectations over the next 12 months decreased from 1.2% in March to 0.8% in April. Perceived nominal spending growth over the past 12 months increased slightly to 5.3%, and expectations for spending growth over the next year rose to 4.3%.
Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months became more negative, decreasing to -2.2% from -2.1%. The expected unemployment rate in 12 months decreased slightly to 11.2%, with lower-income households expecting higher unemployment rates than higher-income households.
Housing price expectations remained unchanged at 3.7% for the next 12 months. Expectations for mortgage interest rates stayed at 4.9%, with lower-income households expecting higher rates at 5.6% compared to 4.4% among higher-income households.
The net percentage of households reporting tighter credit conditions increased to the highest levels since October 2023, with a decline in credit application rates to 13.4% in April, the lowest since April 2023.
The ECB will release the full survey results for May on June 26, 2026. For media inquiries, contact Benoit Deeg at +49 172 1683704.
