Household consumption up by almost 1 percent in October

These are volume figures, which means they have been adjusted for price changes. In addition, they have been adjusted for differences in the shopping day pattern. The CBS Consumption Radar shows that conditions for Dutch household consumption in November were more favourable than they were in October.

Higher spending on durable goods

Households spent 2.2 percent more on durable goods than they did in October 2024, adjusted for price changes. In particular, they purchased more footwear, electrical appliances, home furnishing and clothing. Spending on food, beverages, and tobacco was down by 0.3 percent compared to October 2024. Households spent 0.5 percent more on other goods (like personal care products and energy), year on year.

Consumers spent 0.6 percent more on services in October than they did in the same month last year (adjusted for price changes). They spent mainly more on transport and communication, and medical services. Spending on services accounted for over half of total domestic consumer expenditure.

Consumer climate more favourable in November

Every month, CBS publishes figures about the conditions for household consumption in its Consumption Radar. Household consumption is influenced by factors such as consumer expectations, their personal financial situation and labour market conditions. Although the Radar indicators are closely correlated with household consumption, improved conditions do not necessarily translate into an increase in consumption.

According to the CBS Consumption Radar for November, conditions for Dutch household consumption were more favourable than they were in October. This was mainly because the year-on-year increase in share prices was higher and consumers were more positive about their financial situation in the next twelve months.