Households cautious about spending

Household spending on goods and services was 2.6 percent lower in October 2009 than in October 2008. in September spending was down by 3.0 percent. Household consumption was down on 2008 for the tenth consecutive month. The consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Household spending on goods in October 2009 was down by 4.0 percent on October 2008. Households spent 3.3 percent less on durable consumer goods, the smallest reduction in 2009 so far. Consumers were less cautious about buying clothes and shoes. The volume of spending on food, beverages and tobacco was down by 2.3 percent. Households have been skimping on this category of articles for eighteen months. Spending on services was also lower, down by 1.4 percent.

Domestic household consumption (volume)