* The data are published as a net balance i.e. the difference between positive and negative answers (in percentage points of total answers). Seasonally adjusted data.

The data published every month are derived from surveys conducted by national institutes in the Member States. The purpose of the Eurostat consumer survey is twofold: first, to collect information on households' spending and saving intentions, and second, to assess their perception of the factors influencing these decisions. The questions are organised around four topics: the households' financial situation, the general economic situation, savings and intentions with regard to major purchases. The consumer survey is entirely qualitative.