Represents household spending on all goods and services. Fluctuations in Private Consumption reflect the country's spending mood. As this figure trends positive it indicates that consumers are stimulating the economy by spending more. However, one cannot size up economic growth solely based on this report. Individuals can increase consumption unsustainably if not matched by income growth.

The report is broken down by consumption categories and consumption per inhabitant. When combined with government spending, business capital spending, export less import and public consumption, Private Consumption can be used to calculate GDP. Private Consumption in itself is not very important, but note that it comes out at the same time as the GDP report which typically causes large market movement. The headline is expressed percentage change.

Relevance: Moderate market impact
Release schedule: 6:00 (GMT); quarterly along with GDP report, toward the end of the month
Source of report: Federal Statistical Office of Germany
Web Address: http://www.destatis.de/indicators/e/iwf01.htm
Address of release: http://www.destatis.de/indicators/e/lrleb03je.htm
AKA: Consumption, Personal Consumption Expenditures, Household Expenditures