Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:17:28 GMT Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/ Payments should be secure and accessible for everyone, now and in the future. This requires extra effort in these times of geopolitical tensions and technological innovations. More choice is also essential, so that consumers, retailers and payment service providers have sufficient options for... Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2026/how-do-we-keep-the-payment-system-secure-and-future-proof-for-everyone/ Import tariffs seem like a reasonable way for a country to protect its economy. But do they really work in practice? How do import tariffs affect the economy of the country that imposes them and the countries that are subject to them, and how should a central bank respond? Thu, 05 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2026/what-do-tariffs-mean-for-the-economy-impact-of-import-tariffs-on-prices-trade-and-growth/ Being able to borrow more for a house sounds like a solution to the tight housing market. However, this would only mean higher house prices and more debt, especially among first-time buyers. Using a new monitor, we answer five questions on why adjusting lending standards is not a good idea. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2026/relaxing-lending-standards-leads-to-more-debt-and-higher-house-prices/ The European Central Bank (ECB) kept the interest rate at 2% again in February. It has done so for five consecutive meetings, because inflation is stabilising around the 2% target, while the economy is growing steadily but still faces uncertainties. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2026/why-the-ecb-has-kept-the-interest-rate-unchanged-at-2/ The figures paint a remarkably positive picture: the Dutch economy is growing faster than expected. But where do we really stand, and what can the government do to address factors that are constraining further growth? Below, we discuss five figures from our Autumn Projections. Fri, 19 Dec 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/the-dutch-economy-in-five-figures-where-do-we-stand/ More than half of Dutch households have trust in the financial sector, which is similar to last year. At the same time, concerns about the financial health of banks, insurers and pension funds are growing. This has emerged from a survey of more than 2,400 households conducted by DNB. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/trust-in-dutch-financial-sector-solid-despite-growing-concern-about-health-of-institutions/ Collectively, the Netherlands is among the largest investors in Europe. Few other countries invest a greater proportion of their national wealth in stocks and bonds. But if we zoom in on Dutch households, something stands out: they actually invest comparatively little. Thu, 13 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/dutch-households-invest-less-than-european-average/ In this article, we explain how much of this shared EU debt is attributable to the Netherlands, and why we will now include it in our assessment of Dutch public finances. Mon, 10 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/what-is-the-dutch-share-of-eu-debt/ Inflation in the Netherlands has been higher than in the euro area as a whole for some time. In October, Dutch inflation was 0.9 percentage points higher than the euro area average. What is behind this trend and what can be done about it? Thu, 06 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/why-dutch-inflation-is-higher-than-euro-area-inflation/ Dutch pension funds are on the eve of the transition to a new pension contract. This shift affects not only pension fund members, but is also being closely monitored by investors. Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/new-pension-contract-implications-for-international-interest-rate-markets/ Inflation in the Netherlands has been higher than in the euro area as a whole for some time. Yet this inflation differential has hardly led to more balanced economic conditions. Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/inflation-differential-with-euro-area-calls-for-structural-solutions/ If you think prices will rise, then there is a good chance they will. A look into the world of inflation expectations and why they play such a major role in our economy. Mon, 01 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/how-inflation-expectations-affect-households/ Everyone feels the effects of inflation differently. How you deal with inflation depends partly on your wages, assets and debt. We explain below. Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/what-is-the-impact-of-inflation-on-wages-assets-and-debt/ How hard you are hit by inflation depends a lot on your spending patterns. But also on how much you can change your spending habits and what proportion of your income you spend on fixed expenses. Lower-income households are hit harder by inflation than groups that earn more. Why is that? Mon, 25 Aug 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/how-inflation-affects-households-differently/ For the first time in more than a year, the ECB did not lower its key interest rate but kept it unchanged at 2%. Does this mean inflation is under control? Or are there other factors at play, and is the ECB just taking a breather? A look at some of the ECB's considerations. Fri, 25 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/why-the-ecb-has-kept-its-interest-rates-unchanged/ The Dutch remain confident in the euro, even in times of economic uncertainty. This is according to a recently published survey by Eurobarometer, the European Commission’s survey instrument. It also shows that support for the single currency in the euro area is at its highest level on record. Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/dutch-public-are-positive-about-the-euro/ The Dutch housing market is tight, making houses difficult to afford. While more houses are needed, high land prices and other obstacles are hindering new construction. Mon, 02 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/development-impact-fees-what-difference-could-they-make/ Trade conflicts and geopolitical tensions are resulting in historically high economic uncertainty worldwide. While much of the uncertainty originates abroad, its implications are also felt here in the Netherlands. Thu, 08 May 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/how-uncertainty-can-slow-down-the-dutch-economy/ While inflation in the euro area is heading towards the 2% target over the course of this year, inflation in the Netherlands remains persistently higher than expected. In our new analysis, we show that the impact on inflation varies for each policy measure and depends on the state of the economy. Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/the-impact-of-government-policies-on-inflation/ From October 2014 to mid-2022, the Eurosystem purchased government and corporate bonds to boost inflation. Also known among economists as Quantitative Easing (QE), the asset purchase programme was set up when policy rates could not be lowered further. Wed, 22 Jan 2025 15:43:09 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/ecb-has-stopped-reinvestments-in-maturing-bonds/ The prices of services in the Netherlands are rising faster than the prices of goods. This trend was temporarily broken during the COVID pandemic due to supply chain issues, as revealed by new DNB figures. Tue, 21 Jan 2025 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2025/relative-price-of-services-recovers-after-pandemic/ New European fiscal rules entered into force in April. Although more realistic, they are far-reaching, especially for high-debt countries. Whether they prompt Member States to reduce over-indebtedness will depend on compliance and enforcement. Fri, 20 Sep 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/under-new-european-budget-rules-it-is-important-to-remain-well-below-the-3-deficit-limit/ European companies that are big carbon emitters are paying higher and higher interest rates on the bonds they issue on financial markets. Indeed, investors are asking for an interest rate premium to compensate for the risks that emission-intensive companies are exposed to Thu, 08 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/carbon-intensive-companies-pay-ever-higher-market-interest-rates/ In July 2022, the ECB began raising its policy rate to curb persistent price rises. After the rate was raised to 4%, it is now being lowered again. Does this mean the era of inflation has come to an end? An update on the outlook for inflation. Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/why-the-ecb-has-lowered-its-policy-rate/ Energy bills are becoming more affordable again. On average, households are expected to spend 4% of their disposable income on energy over the next three years, following a peak of 7% after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/energy-affordability-back-to-pre-crisis-levels/ Higher mortgage rates over the past two years caused house prices to fall temporarily, but now they are rising. How can that be explained? Thu, 06 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/explanations-for-rapid-recovery-of-house-prices/ Effective investment in the United Nations’ sustainable development goals hinges on the possibility to measure the impact of such investments. Fri, 03 May 2024 15:06:44 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/sdg-related-investment-overviews-of-impact-measurement-methods-and-data/ After the ECB's balance sheet grew substantially for years as a result of its government bond purchases and lending operations, it has been shrinking again for the past year and a half. This has consequences for the implementation of monetary policy. Fri, 15 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/ecb-adjusts-operational-framework-as-balance-sheet-normalises/ The growth of the labour force in the Netherlands is set to decline sharply in the coming decades. To meet this challenge, we need to look not only at increasing labour supply, but also at ways of reducing labour demand and improving the match between supply and demand. Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/tight-labour-market-calls-for-broad-public-debate/ To curb high inflation, the European Central Bank has raised its policy rate in 10 steps since summer 2022 to 4%. The ECB has not changed this rate since last September, even though inflation has not yet come back down to the 2% target. Thu, 01 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2024/how-the-ecb-is-slowing-inflation-even-without-raising-its-policy-rate/ Energy price hikes from 2022 still affect other prices, such as those of food. Why are some products still getting more expensive, even though energy prices have fallen again? And how long will this go on? Thu, 21 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/for-how-long-do-higher-energy-prices-affect-product-prices/ One in three working people in the Netherlands is prepared to work more hours if it means a higher salary. People would also be willing to work more hours if their work were more fun, if remote working were easier and if they could spend less time caring for their children. Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/incentives-for-people-to-work-more-or-fewer-hours/ Climate change and environmental degradation can result in direct and indirect damage, including financial damage. This means they impact the work of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB). Thu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/new-climate-and-environmental-risk-management-guide-for-the-financial-sector/ 2022 was a turbulent year, with major events worldwide that affected nearly all of us to a greater of lesser extent. This year too, we see the impact of these events clearly reflected in our economy. We outline the most important below, but first we take a brief look back at 2022. Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/challenges-for-our-economy-in-2023/ Central banks were created specifically to ensure stable prices and intervene when needed. Why do we need price stability, and why do many people think this is the government’s responsibility? Thu, 23 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/who-is-responsible-for-fighting-inflation/ For years, inflation in the euro area hovered around 1.5%, below the European Central Bank's (ECB) target of around 2%, despite historically low interest rates. But then it suddenly shot up in summer 2021, peaking at 10.6% in October 2022. How could inflation go up so fast? Thu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/how-inflation-reached-all-time-highs-in-two-years/ Global agreements on strengthening banks’ capital positions, as contained in the Basel III Accord, should be implemented in Europe as rapidly and consistently as possible. Fri, 17 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/timely-and-consistent-implementation-of-basel-iii-important-for-european-banks/ In response to soaring energy prices, the vast majority of Dutch households have turned down the thermostat and started taking shorter or fewer showers. Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/target-sustainability-measures-at-financially-vulnerable-households/ DNB, together with the ECB and other central banks, is publishing new sustainability figures for the financial sector this week. Why, in fact? And what exactly are we measuring? See the Q&As below. Tue, 24 Jan 2023 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2023/five-questions-on-our-new-sustainability-figures/ In many respects, Dutch banks are in a very different position when dealing with the impact of high inflation than they were in the 1970s and 1980s, when consumer prices also rose rapidly. Thu, 10 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/inflation-can-affect-banks-in-many-different-ways/ An insurance guarantee scheme (IGS) can be designed such that it offers policyholders affordable additional protection for their insurance. This emerged from a study conducted by De Nederlandsche Bank into the feasibility and affordability of such a scheme in the Netherlands. Thu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/a-feasible-and-affordable-insurance-guarantee-scheme-for-policyholders/ The new EU regulation for issuers of crypto assets and crypto service providers – the Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCAR) – is a welcome step in the regulation of European crypto markets, according to DNB in response to the recent agreement reached in Brussels on the regulation. Thu, 06 Oct 2022 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/micar-important-step-in-regulation-of-crypto-markets/ Data and data mobility are having a growing impact on financial services. Moreover, new EU regulation has been proposed or is expected that aims to create an EU data market by 2030 by enhancing the ability of data holders to share their data. Thu, 15 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/data-mobility-and-the-financial-sector-how-to-regulate/ De Nederlandsche Bank has published a report on preventing and combating financial crime. It recommends zooming in on the high-risk customer categories. An interview with Loes Wenink, supervisor at DNB. Fri, 09 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/biggest-money-laundering-risks-must-be-given-top-priority/ In the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis, central banks vastly expanded their toolkits in order to continue fulfilling their mandate. In addition to the regular rate setting policy, they have added new instruments such as asset purchase programmes and targeted lending operations to banks. Mon, 22 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/ecb-monetary-toolkit-constantly-evolving/ The current high inflation in the Netherlands occurs in a different economic environment than in the 1970s. Back then, the labour market, the financial position of businesses and monetary policy were a breeding ground for stagflation. Thu, 28 Jul 2022 08:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/inflation-is-high-but-context-differs-from-the-1970s/ With the ongoing digitalisation of financial services, cyber threats are posing increasing risks for the financial sector. In a new study, DNB investigates under which circumstances a cyber incident at a financial institution could develop into a threat for the financial system as a whole. Wed, 08 Jun 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/cyber-risks-also-relevant-to-financial-stability/ Commercial banks end the year on a profit or loss, but what about a central bank like De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB)? And what happens if DNB makes a profit, or indeed a loss? Does DNB maintain buffers to absorb losses? And what’s the financial bottom line after 23 years of working with the euro? Thu, 19 May 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/how-does-dnb-s-profit-and-loss-account-work/ What should banks, insurers, trust offices and other financial institutions do now that so many sanctions have been imposed? And is this process monitored? Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/financial-sanctions-who-does-what-and-who-monitors-this/ The European Union has imposed a range of financial sanctions against Russia in the last few days. Below is an overview of the various sanctions. Wed, 02 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/the-sanctions-against-russia-at-a-glance/ The European Union has announced that it will disconnect Russian banks from SWIFT. What is SWIFT, who does it belong to, and what are the consequences if a country is excluded? Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/five-questions-about-swift-update-of-4-march/ The European Union imposed sanctions against the Central Bank of Russia on 28 February. As a result, the Russian central bank can no longer access its assets at private institutions and central banks in the European Union. Mon, 28 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/what-do-the-sanctions-against-the-central-bank-of-russia-mean/ The European Union has imposed a range of sanctions on Russia. What are financial sanctions, what are the consequences of these sanctions for the Netherlands and how does the war affect our economy? Read our answers to the main questions. Fri, 25 Feb 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/nine-questions-on-the-sanctions-and-the-economic-consequences-of-the-war/ Higher interest rate levels are favourable for the banking sector. But a scenario of persistently low interest rates poses challenges. Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2022/banks-profits-under-pressure-in-persistently-low-interest-rate-environment/ The FD sentiment indicator, based on articles in Dutch financial daily Het Financieele Dagblad (FD), has partially recovered following a sharp drop at the start of the coronavirus crisis. Thu, 30 Dec 2021 09:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/fd-sentiment-indicator-annual-overview-2021-in-the-rear-view-mirror/ The ECB will incorporate climate change considerations in its new monetary policy strategy. Tue, 21 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/ecb-includes-climate-change-in-monetary-policy-strategy/ The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to revise and broaden its analyses for monetary decisions. Within the new analytical framework, economic and monetary analyses will be more closely integrated, and more attention will be devoted to long-term developments and financial stability. Tue, 14 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/ecb-to-revise-analytical-framework-for-monetary-decision-making/ The costs of home ownership are to be included in the inflation measure of the European Central Bank (ECB). Tue, 07 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/home-ownership-costs-to-be-incorporated-in-the-inflation-measure/ Under the new strategy adopted this summer, the European Central Bank (ECB) wants to put an end to the confusion surrounding its inflation target. The ECB has raised its inflation target to 2% from the previous ‘below, but close to, 2%’. Wed, 01 Sep 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/ecb-sets-clear-and-simple-inflation-target/ In recent years, Dutch banks have strengthened their capital buffers. Four years ago, the largest Dutch banks were expected to need additional capital to meet the minimum standards set out in the Basel Accord. Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/dutch-banking-system-prepared-for-implementation-of-final-basel-iii-accord/ Crypto service providers not registered with DNB are not allowed to provide their services in the Netherlands. Four questions about unregistered providers and our supervision. Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2021/four-questions-about-unregistered-crypto-service-providers/ Central bank digital currency, or CBDC, is an amount in euro which Dutch households and firms hold with De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) or the European Central Bank (ECB). CBDC can serve as a backup for non-cash payments as well as promote diversity in the payments market, and it could possibly make... Tue, 21 Apr 2020 12:00:00 GMT https://www.dnb.nl/en/general-news/background-2020/digital-currency-issued-by-central-banks-can-protect-public-interests-in-payment-systems/