Household spending down again

Households spent 2.1 percent less on goods and services in September 2013 than in September 2012. Relative to the same month in the previous year, household spending has been in continuous decline for more than two years now. Consumption figures have been adjusted for price changes and differences in the shopping-day pattern.

In September, household spending on durable goods was 6.1 percent down from twelve months previously. Spending on furniture, home decoration and household appliances fell most notably. Consumers also bought fewer new cars than one year ago. Spending on food, drinks and tobacco decreased by 3.1 percent. Household spending on services was 0.4 percent lower.

With the aid of six indicators, the Household Consumption Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch household consumption have become more or less favourable. In November 2013, the radar shows that circumstances for consumption were more favourable than in October.

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