Decline in household consumption slows down

Household spending on goods and services was 0.7 percent lower in January 2010 than in January 2009. In December, household spending still was 2.5 percent down on one year previously. Households have been cautious about spending for more than a year now, but the decline in January was far smaller than in preceding months. Consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Spending on durable consumer goods in particular decreased less in January than in preceding months. Spending on these articles was down by 0.6 percent relative to January 2009. Households spent more on cars and household appliances, but considerably less on clothing and furniture than twelve months ago. Consumption of food, beverages and tobacco hardly altered. Household spending on services was 1.0 percent lower.

Domestic household consumption (volume)