Consumption growth slightly higher

Dutch households spent 1.9 percent more on goods and services in August than twelve months previously. Consumption growth was slightly higher than in July, when household spending increased by 1.3 percent.

Household spending on goods was 0.9 percent up. Consumers spent more on durable goods in general, and on shoes and household appliances in particular. Spending on durable goods was 4.5 percent up on August 2007. By contrast, households spent 1.1 percent less on food, drink and tobacco.

Households spent 2.7 percent more on services. This is in line with the growth figures for the first seven months of 2008.

Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern. August 2008 had a Saturday and Sunday more and a Wednesday and Thursday fewer than August 2007.

Domestic household consumption (volume)