Latest News Stream - Personal Spending

Private consumption in Thailand slipped 2.2% month-on-month in September 2026, reversing a 0.4% gain in the previous month. It marked the first decline since April, primarily driven by lower spending in the services sector, particularly in hospitality and food services, amid a slowdown in domestic tourism. Demand for durable goods also softened, dragged down by sluggish sales of passenger cars and pickup trucks. Similarly, non-durable goods consumption slightly dipped as elevated fuel prices curtailed fuel purchases, alongside softer sales of general consumer goods and alcoholic beverages. Conversely, semi-durable goods spending picked up, buoyed by increased imports of textiles and apparel. Meanwhile, consumer confidence weakened amid concerns over late-month flooding, persistent cost-of-living pressures, high household debt and ongoing geopolitical and global trade uncertainties.

Household consumption of goods in France unexpectedly fell 0.5% in September 2026, unchanged from the previous month and defying market expectations of a 0.1% rise. It was the second consecutive month of decline, as consumption of manufactured goods fell (-1.1% vs 0.8% in August), with textile goods falling sharply (-5.8%), while durable goods edged down (-0.2%). Additionally, food spending declined further (-0.2% vs -1.1%). However, the decline in spending was partly offset by a rebound in energy spending, which rose 0.2%, recovering slightly from a 2.4% drop in August, as a further decline in electricity consumption was largely offset by a rebound in fuel spending. On an annual basis, household consumption dropped 0.4% in September. For the third quarter as a whole, household spending on goods continued to rise, increasing by 0.4% compared with 0.2% in Q2.

US personal consumption expenditures increased by 0.5% in September 2026, following a 0.9% rise in August and coming slightly below forecasts of 0.6%. The $113.1 billion increase in current-dollar PCE in September reflected increases of $35.1 billion in spending on goods and $78.1 billion in spending on services. Within goods, spending on gasoline and other enrgy goods by $45.7 billion Service-sector spending was led by transportation (+$18.4 billion), housing and utilities (+$17.8 billion), and food services and accommodation (+$15.5 billion), followed by healthcare (+$13.0 billion) and financial services and insurance (+$11.1 billion). Meanwhile, personal income rose 0.2%, while disposable personal income increased 0.2%.

US personal consumption expenditures increased by $190.8 billion, or 0.9%, in August 2026, the most since March, exceeding expectations for a 0.8% rise and accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.1% gain in July. Goods spending rose $114.1 billion, driven by higher spending on nondurable goods, including other nondurable goods (up $24.7 billion), gasoline and other energy goods (up $20.9 billion), and food and beverages (up $11.6 billion), while durable goods spending increased $48 billion. Meanwhile, spending on services increased $76.7 billion, led by higher spending on food services and accommodations (up $20.6 billion), other services (up $18.7 billion) and health care (up $15.1 billion), partly offset by lower recreation services spending (down $10.3 billion). Meanwhile, personal income rose 0.2%, while disposable personal income increased 0.3%. Inflation-adjusted consumer spending increased 0.6% in August, accelerating from a 0.1% gain in July.

Private consumption in Thailand increased 0.4% month-on-month in August 2026, easing from a seven-month high of 1.2% in the previous month. Domestic tourism moderated after accelerating in the previous month due to the extended holiday period. Spending on non-durable goods was broadly unchanged, as stronger consumer goods sales, partly aided by government measures, offset declines in fuel sales and electricity consumption. Meanwhile, spending on services picked up, particularly on hotels and restaurants, in line with higher foreign tourist arrivals. Spending on semi-durable goods also edged higher, reflecting increased imports of textiles and apparel, while spending on durable goods continued to advance on higher passenger car sales and motorcycle registrations. Consumer confidence also strengthened, supported by government measures, although elevated living costs and household debt continued to weigh on consumers.

Household consumption of goods in France fell 0.5% in August 2026, defying market expectations of a flat reading and reversing a downwardly revised 0.4% increase in the previous month. It marked the first monthly decline since April, as energy spending dropped 2.3% after rising 0.9% in July, driven by lower fuel consumption amid further price increases. In addition, food consumption fell 0.4% after a 0.2% gain in the previous month. Spending on manufactured goods also edged down 0.3% from a 0.4% gain, weighed mainly by weaker purchases of durable goods (0.3% vs 0.4%) and clothing and textiles (0.3% vs 0.6%). On an annual basis, household consumption rose 0.8% in August.

Household consumption in the Netherlands rose by 1.2% year-on-year in July 2026, the softest growth in three months, slowing from a 1.7% increase in June. The slowdown was mainly driven by weaker growth in spending on goods, with consumer goods purchases rising 2.2%, down from 3.2% in June. Durable goods recorded the strongest growth, but at a softer pace of 3.1% (vs 5.5%), as households bought more cars, clothing, electrical appliances, shoes, and household goods. Spending on food, beverages and tobacco also grew at a slower pace of 2.0% (vs 2.8%), while consumption of other goods moderated too (0.4% vs 1.0%). Household consumption services also softened (0.5% vs 0.8%), despite higher spending on transport and communication, medical services, recreation and culture, and housing. Spending on services accounts for well over half of total domestic household consumption expenditure.

Private consumption in Thailand rose by 1.2% month-on-month in July 2026, edging up from 1.1% in the previous month. It marked the highest reading since December 2025, mainly due to stronger services spending, particularly on hotels and restaurants and passenger transportation, amid government measures and a pickup in domestic tourism. Spending on durable goods also grew, highlighting increased sales of passenger cars and pickup trucks despite lower motorcycle registrations. Consumption of non-durable goods was broadly stable, as higher fuel consumption and alcoholic beverage sales offset weaker consumer goods sales following strong growth in the previous month. In contrast, spending on semi-durable goods dropped, reflecting lower imports of textiles and apparel. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved, supported by government measures and easing concerns over the Middle East conflict.

Household consumption of goods in France unexpectedly increased by 0.5% month-on-month in July 2026, exceeding market estimates of a stall and following an upwardly revised 0.6% rise in the previous month. It was the third consecutive month of growth in household spending, mainly boosted by a rise in engineered goods (0.5% after remaining stable in June). Spending on durable goods accelerated (0.8% vs 0.2%), while spending on other engineered goods eased (0.3% vs 0.4%). Spending on textile and clothing products continued to fall (-0.2% vs -1.2%). Energy consumption rose, though at a slower pace (0.8% vs 1.5% in June), driven by spending on fuel and, to a lesser extent, on electricity. July 2026 was the warmest month ever recorded in France. Food consumption also eased (0.2% vs 0.7%), driven by a recovery in agri-food consumption, especially dairy products and drinks. On an annual basis, household consumption rose 1.4% in July.

Household consumption in the Netherlands increased 1.7% year-on-year in June 2026, easing from an over one-year high of 2.2% in May. The softer pace of spending growth reflected weaker momentum across most categories, with consumer goods purchases rising 3.0% from a year earlier (vs 4.6% in May). Durable goods growth moderated to 5.7% from 7.1% in May, with most spending concentrated on cars and electrical appliances. Spending on food, beverages, and tobacco also slowed, rising 2.4% (vs 3.0%), while consumption of other goods declined (-1.5% vs 1.8%). Meanwhile, household consumption of services strengthened, increasing 0.8% from 0.5% in May, supported by higher spending on transport and communication, medical services, and housing. Households also spent more in the hospitality sector and on recreation and culture. Spending on services accounts for well over half of total domestic household consumption expenditure.

Private consumption in Thailand increased by 1.1% month-on-month in June 2026, accelerating from 0.6% in the previous month. It marked the second straight month of growth, driven mainly by stronger spending on non-durable goods amid higher consumer goods sales following government stimulus measures, as well as improved fuel consumption as retail fuel prices declined and sales returned closer to normal levels. Spending on durable goods also strengthened, supported by higher motorcycle registrations and passenger car sales, partly reflecting growing consumer interest in electric vehicles. Consumption of semi-durable goods also advanced, supported by higher imports of textiles and apparel. In contrast, spending on services weakened, particularly at hotels and restaurants, in line with softer tourism activity. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved, buoyed by government measures and easing concerns over tensions in the Middle East.

US personal spending increased by $65.2 billion, or 0.3%, in June 2026 from the previous month, slowing from an upwardly revised 0.9% gain in May, largely due to a sharp decline in gasoline spending as lower crude oil prices followed peace negotiations between the US and Iran. Goods spending rose $7.0 billion, as a $48.1 billion drop in spending on gasoline and other energy goods was partly offset by higher outlays on motor vehicles and parts (up $17.4 billion) and recreational goods and vehicles (up $13.8 billion). Meanwhile, services spending increased $58.2 billion, driven by health care (up $22.8 billion), financial services and insurance (up $14.0 billion), transportation services (up $7.1 billion), and recreation services (up $6.7 billion). Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted consumer spending advanced 0.4% in June, the same pace as in the previous period.

Household consumption of goods in France unexpectedly increased by 0.4% month-on-month in June 2026, exceeding market estimates of a 0.1% drop and following a downwardly revised 0.3% rise in the previous month. It was the second consecutive month of growth in household spending, mainly boosted by a rise in energy consumption (1.4% vs 2.5% in May), due to a further increase in electricity consumption and a rebound in unleaded petrol consumption. Additionally, food consumption rebounded (0.6% vs -0.3%), driven by a recovery in agri-food consumption, especially beverages. By contrast, spending on engineered goods fell 0.2% after remaining stable in the previous month. Spending on durable goods was stable after edging down 0.1%, while spending on other engineered goods was virtually stable (0.1% vs -0.8%). Spending on textile and clothing products, however, fell back (-1.4% vs 1.3%). On an annual basis, household consumption ticked up 0.1% in June.

Private consumption in Thailand rose 0.6% month-on-month in May 2026, following a 2.1% fall in the previous month. The improvement was driven mainly by stronger spending on durable goods, particularly passenger cars, as consumers increasingly favored electric vehicles amid elevated fuel prices. Spending on non-durable goods also edged up as fuel consumption normalized following earlier panic buying at the start of the Middle East conflict. At the same time, spending on services remained broadly stable, in line with domestic tourism activity. In contrast, consumption of semi-durable goods declined, reflected in lower imports of textiles and apparel. Consumer confidence continued to weaken, driven by concerns over the rising cost of living and uncertain income and employment prospects.

Household consumption of goods in France grew by 0.5% month-on-month in May 2026, exceeding market estimates of 0.2% and recovering from a 0.5% fall in the previous month. Energy expenditures rebounded (2.3% vs -3.2% in April), driven by the sharp rebound in gas and electricity consumption following a particularly hot April. Meanwhile, spending on engineered goods eased markedly to 0.1% from 0.4% in April, while food consumption remained stable after declining 0.2% in April. Spending on durable goods rebounded (0.7% vs -0.4%), while purchases of textile and clothing products partially reversed (-0.3% vs 1.5%), as did spending on other engineered goods (-0.6% vs 1.2%). On an annual basis, household consumption rose 0.3% in May.

US personal spending rose by 0.7% month-on-month in May 2026, or $156.1 billion, accelerating from a downwardly revised 0.4% increase in April and beating market expectations of a 0.6% gain. Spending on goods rose by $61.8 billion, primarily driven by a $21 billion surge in gasoline and other energy goods amid soaring energy prices tied to the Middle East conflict. Additional gains were seen in recreational goods and vehicles ($7 billion), motor vehicles and parts ($5.3 billion), food and beverages ($4.6 billion), and other nondurable goods ($13.7 billion). Spending on services climbed by $94.3 billion, led by financial services and insurance ($28.4 billion), housing and utilities ($22.3 billion), and health care ($22.3 billion). Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted consumer spending increased 0.3% in May, after a flat reading in April.

Household consumption in the Netherlands grew by 1% year-on-year in April 2026, following a 0.9% rise in the previous month. This marked the fastest growth since last October, driven largely by durable goods, which households purchased 4.9% more than a year earlier (vs 4.7% in March). Consumers primarily bought more cars, electrical appliances, and household furnishings. Households also consumed more food and beverages (0.9% vs -0.5%) and other goods, such as energy and personal care products (0.5% vs -1.4%). Meanwhile, expenditure on services, which accounts for more than half of total household consumption, edged down 0.1% (vs 0.4%), reflecting lower spending on accommodation and food services despite gains in transport and communication. Looking ahead, conditions for household spending appeared somewhat less unfavorable in May, supported largely by a stronger year-on-year increase in share prices.