The latest expectation barometer for the first quarter of 2026 indicates that confidence in Norway's economic future is declining among households, as reported by Finans Norge. The adjusted main indicator has dropped to minus 9.4, down from minus 4.7 in the previous quarter, revealing that more Norwegians are worried about the country’s economic trajectory. Despite the growing pessimism about the national economy, individuals' assessments of their own financial situations remain positive.

Experts highlight that the downturn in economic confidence is particularly pronounced among younger individuals with limited education, and the decline is most significant in the Eastern region of Norway outside Oslo, which has been adversely affected by downturns in the construction sector. Jan Ludvig Andreassen, the chief economist at Eika, suggests that intervention may be needed, such as interest rate cuts or crisis packages from the government, to alleviate the pressures faced by these households.

The decrease in optimism about the economic outlook is also attributed to increasing uncertainty concerning interest rates, inflation, and unpredictable trade policies. As global tensions rise, there is a growing concern that these external factors could further impact Norway's economy. The report emphasizes that, without strategic interventions, the situation may deteriorate further, stressing the need for proactive measures from policymakers to restore confidence among householders and stimulate economic growth in the face of these challenges.