Consumption almost unchanged in June

In June 2005 households consumed about the same as the year before. The volume of domestic consumption was up by 0.1 percent on June 2004. This stabilisation of expenditure followed five months where consumption volumes were lower than in 2004. This is shown in the latest figures by Statistics Netherlands which are corrected for price changes and shopping day patterns.

Less expenditure on goods, more on services

In June 2005 households spent 0.4 percent less on goods than in June 2004. This figure is corrected for price changes and shopping day patterns. The decrease was entirely due to expenditure on durable goods. In June. households spent less on new cars and home furnishings than in June 2004. On the other hand, consumption of food, beverages and tobacco and of services was 0.6 percent higher.

Consumption down over the first six months of 2005

Dutch households were reticent in their money spending during the first six months of 2005. The volume of domestic consumption was down by 0.8 percent on the first six months of 2004. Households spent 1.9 percent less than the year before. Expenditure on durables was down considerably, however expenditure on services was almost the same as last year’s.

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