Household consumption almost 3 percent up in November

These are volume figures, i.e., figures adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar shows that circumstances for Dutch household consumption in December are, on balance, more favourable than in November.

Households spent more on services

In November 2022, consumers spent 7.1 percent more on services such as telephone and internet subscriptions, insurances, and visits to hairdressers, restaurants and football matches compared to November 2021 (adjusted for price changes). In November 2021, there were still coronavirus measures in place. Spending on services accounts for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Adjusted for price changes, households spent 4.1 percent less on food, beverages and tobacco. There was a year-on-year decrease of 2.7 percent in the consumption of durable goods. Spending on home furnishing and electrical appliances was down in particular. Spending on other goods such as natural gas and personal care products, was 1.6 percent down on one year previously. Household energy consumption fell in particular. It was less cold than in November 2021.

Over a week ago, CBS reported that the volume of sales in retail trade in November 2022 was 4 percent lower than in November 2021 . The volume of sales in the non-food sector decreased by 3 percent and in the food sector by over 4 percent. These figures have also been adjusted for the shopping-day pattern.

Consumer climate somewhat more favourable in December

Every month, CBS publishes figures about circumstances for household consumption in the CBS Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumers’ expectations, their personal financial situation and developments on the labour market. Although the Radar indicators show a strong correlation with household consumption, improved circumstances do not necessarily translate into a higher increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar, circumstances for Dutch household consumption were more favourable in December compared to November. The year-on-year drop in stock market prices was smaller. Consumers were also less pessimistic about their financial future and future unemployment developments.