Brussels: Nearly half of Belgian households (48 percent) remain under financial stress, with 8 percent struggling to cover expenses, according to Belgian non-profit consumer organization Testachats' annual consumer barometer released Friday, ahead of World Consumer Rights Day. In contrast, 44 percent of households reported no financial difficulties in 2024, marking an increase of 3.8 percentage points from 2023.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the survey reveals a mixed trend in costs. The prices of home maintenance, mortgage payments, and extracurricular activities have risen by 5.8 percent, 5.1 percent, and 4.4 percent, respectively. Conversely, the cost of meat, fish, and plant-based alternatives has decreased by 5 percent.

Consumer sentiment varies across regions, with the perceived cost-of-living index at 57.1 in Flanders, 54.6 in Brussels, and 51.6 in Wallonia. Flemish consumers display more optimism about the future, with a sentiment score of 55.9, compared to 49.9 for Walloon consumers.

Looking ahead to 2025, 37.7 percent of respondents expect their financial situation to worsen, while 17 percent foresee an improvement.