Decline in household consumption continues

Household spending on goods and services was 1.7 percent down in January 2012  on twelve months previously. The decline is about the same as in the preceding months. Consumption figures are adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

Spending on goods was nearly 4 percent below the level of January 2011. Due to the mild weather, natural gas consumption was considerably lower. Spending on durable consumer goods was 4 percent down. Consumers spent less on new cars. Spending on food, drinks and tobacco was nearly 2 percent down. Spending on services was approximately on the same level as one year previously.

The Household Consumption Radar shows the conditions for household consumption. Just as in preceding months, these conditions changed little in March.

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

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.