Household consumption in decline

Household spending on goods and services in August 2011 was 1.0 percent down on August 2010, whereas in June, household spending was marginally up on one year previously. Consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Spending on goods in August 2011 was 2.6 percent below the August 2010 level. Dutch consumers spent 3.8 percent less on durable goods. They spent much less on cars. Spending on home furnishing articles was also lower. Spending on food, drinks and tobacco dropped by 1.0 percent. Spending on services improved by 0.3 percent relative to the same month last year.

The Household Consumption Radar shows the conditions for household consumption. In October, these conditions deteriorated seriously.

Domestic household consumption (volume, adjusted for shopping-days)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.