The Dutch save most in Europe; are optimistic about their financial future

The Dutch are big savers despite the low interest rates, with 75% of their wealth held in savings, the highest percentage in Europe, according to research published on Monday by wealth manager Blackrock.

However, Dutch savers recognise they should save less, citing 42% as the ideal amount.

The research also shows that 51% of the Dutch are optimistic about their financial future compared with 47% of other Europeans. In 2013, that figure was 44% for the Dutch.

Bob Hendriks, head of Retail Nederland at Blackrock told website nu.nl that saving gives people the feeling they are in control of their money. At the same time, people have little idea of other means of building up capital, such as investments.

Just 38% of the Dutch say they are planning their finances, compared with a European average of 52%. Hendriks says this is worrying.

‘Against the background of a continuing low interest rate and the effect of inflation on savings, plus the increasing pressure from the government for people to take responsibility for theier financial future, it is worrying that most Dutch are in hibernation when it comes to their finances,’ he told nu.nl