Belgium: Shift in household behavior from savings to investment funds

Recent data indicates a shift in the financial behavior of Belgian households, characterized by a move from traditional savings toward investment funds. According to ING Bank, Belgians are increasingly channeling money into investment funds, with an average of €5.6 billion deposited per quarter starting in 2025, compared to €3.5 billion in savings accounts. This trend is particularly pronounced in Belgium, where investment funds are attracting 60% more capital than bank accounts.

A study by Deloitte and Argenta involving 3,000 Belgians found that 26% of households now save at least €500 per month, up from 19% in 2022. Conversely, 30% of households save less than €100 or nothing at all, an improvement from 36% in 2022. While Belgians have historically been viewed as “super-savers,” the current savings rate of 12.8% is lower than the eurozone average of 14.7%.

Regarding financial security, experts from the FSMA platform Wikifin suggest that a practical guideline for a savings buffer is to maintain three to six months of net monthly income to cover unexpected expenses. The ideal amount varies significantly based on individual circumstances, such as income stability, family composition, and essential living costs.