Consumption growth slightly lower

Dutch households spent 1.3 percent more on goods and services in June than twelve months previously. Consumption growth in June was smaller than in the two preceding months. The figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Household spending on durable goods was 1.1 percent up on June 2007. This increase is smaller than in May, when consumers spent 6.7 percent more on among other things clothing, shoes and washing machines. Consumers were not as reluctant to spend money as in March and April though; in these two months there was a decrease in spending on durable consumer goods, which are known to be sensitive to economic ups and downs.

Consumption of food, drink and tobacco was slightly lower in June than twelve months previously. On the other hand consumers spent 2.4 percent more on services. This was a slightly smaller increase than in the two preceding months.

Domestic household consumption (volume)