Finance

The Dutch government has reversed a planned increase in the notional return rate for Box 3 investments in 2026 following political criticism. Instead, the financial burden will be shifted to homeowners with nearly paid-off mortgages by accelerating the phase-out of a key tax benefit.

The Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has set new maximum tariffs for district heating in 2026, shifting costs from variable rates to higher fixed fees. While average households may see a minor saving, low-consumption users could face significant price increases.

Tens of thousands of Dutch families fail to claim the child-related budget each year, leaving nearly €1 billion unclaimed. Many eligible households, particularly those with low to middle incomes, miss out on over €3,000 annually simply by not applying.

A new collective labor agreement for Dutch secondary education teachers will see salaries rise by 5.8% over the next two years. The deal aims to address the teacher shortage and high workload, with details on new salary scales and reduced teaching hours.

29-year-old Luana Lopes Lara, founder of prediction market platform Kalshi, has become the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire with a net worth of $1.1 billion, as her company gains massive popularity and regulatory approval.

A new ING survey shows that Dutch savings buffers are growing, with many now having over €10,000 set aside. However, a significant portion of the population still has less than €500, and concerns about financial security remain high.

At GoldRepublic’s 15th-anniversary event in Amsterdam, economist Peter Schiff warned that the de-dollarization of the global economy is underway, driven by unsustainable U.S. debt. He argued that central banks’ record gold purchases signal a return to a gold-backed financial system, while GoldRepublic showcased a new model for digital gold ownership.

The Dutch national debt is on the rise again, reaching nearly half a trillion euros. This breaks down to over €27,000 per person and raises concerns about financial stability, prompting some to consider alternatives like Bitcoin.

Max Verstappen earned around €65 million in 2025, making him the highest-paid driver in F1, despite finishing second in the championship. His income includes a guaranteed monthly salary from Red Bull Racing, performance bonuses, and endorsements, including crypto-related deals.

The new A24 toll road in the Netherlands is proving costly for drivers, where a simple oversight in payment can quickly lead to a €35 fine, raising concerns that the system penalizes those less comfortable with digital payments.