The overall Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) declined sharply to -14.0 index points in February 2026, marking a substantial deterioration in consumer sentiment compared to January. The index fell by 7.1 index points month-on-month, reversing the improvement observed at the beginning of the year and reaching its lowest level since early 2025.

The decline was driven primarily by a sharp deterioration in assessments of current conditions, while expectations weakened more moderately. The Present Situation Index dropped significantly to -23.9 index points, deteriorating by 12.8 index points compared to January. In contrast, the Expectations Index declined more modestly to -4.1 index points, worsening by 1.4 index points. This divergence suggests that the decline in confidence was largely driven by worsening perceptions of current economic conditions rather than a broad downturn in forward-looking expectations.

At the indicator level, perceptions of household financial conditions weakened considerably. Assessments of recent changes in personal financial position fell to -3 index points, while expectations for future personal finances declined slightly to 12 index points, though remaining positive overall. At the same time, assessments of current financial standing deteriorated sharply to -37 index points, the weakest reading in the observed period, indicating growing pressure on household balance sheets.

Assessments of the general economic situation also deteriorated significantly. Perceptions of recent economic developments fell to -16 index points, while expectations regarding the country’s economic outlook edged down to 2 index points, indicating a weakening macroeconomic outlook among respondents.

Inflation perceptions remain a central concern for consumers. Perceptions of past inflation remained deeply negative at -81 index points, suggesting that households continue to experience strong price pressures. At the same time, inflation expectations improved further to –1 index point, indicating that concerns about future price increases have eased considerably compared to previous months.

Indicators related to the labor market and consumption behavior show mixed developments. Expectations regarding unemployment improved to -9 index points, suggesting reduced labor market concerns. However, the assessment of whether now is a good time to make major purchases deteriorated sharply to -49 index points, the weakest reading in the series, indicating heightened caution regarding consumption decisions. In contrast, expectations about making major purchases improved to 21 index points, highlighting a divergence between current consumption conditions and forward-looking intentions.

Indicators related to savings behavior weakened overall. The assessment of whether now is a good time to make savings declined to 43 index points, while expectations about future savings deteriorated further to -51 index points, reflecting increasing concerns about households’ ability to maintain savings.

Overall, the February 2026 results point to a sharp and broad-based deterioration in consumer confidence, driven primarily by worsening assessments of current financial conditions and the broader economic environment. While some forward-looking indicators remain relatively resilient, particularly inflation expectations and future consumption intentions, the overall picture suggests that households perceive a significant deterioration in their current economic situation.