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Press releases 2001

31 December 2001

Industrial output fell in November from one year ago

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 4.9 per cent lower in November than one year previously. However, adjusted for seasonal variation, output in November increased by just short of one per cent from October. In the January to November period, industrial output as calculated per working day decreased by 0.7 per cent from the previous year.

31 December 2001

Total output fell by 0.7 per cent in October from one year ago

The volume of total output was 0.7 per cent smaller in October 2001 than in October 2000. Output fell in three industries, i.e. primary production, manufacturing and construction, of the six main ones included in the Monthly Indicator of Total Output calculated by Statistics Finland. The industries of trade, public and other services, and transport grew. Total output has grown in all by 1.1 per cent during the January to October period this year when compared to the corresponding months last year.

21 December 2001

GDP did not grow from the previous year in the third quarter of 2001

In the third quarter of 2001 Finland's gross domestic product was of the same magnitude as in the third quarter of 2000. However, seasonally adjusted GDP went up from this year's previous quarter. According to revised data, the year-on-year growth in GDP amounted to 3.6 per cent in the first quarter and to 0.4 per cent in the second quarter. In the January to September period, GDP increased by 1.3 per cent from the same period in 2000. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.

18 December 2001

Employment and unemployment in November 2001

- 11,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 67.0 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.8 per cent, 226,000 unemployed
- 18,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 December 2001

Import prices fell by 11.6 per cent in the year

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 11.6 per cent from last year's November. With the exception of durable goods, the indices of all other purpose of use categories declined. Prices of energy products fell most, by 38.6 per cent. From October to November, import prices decreased by 2.0 per cent. The fall was mainly due to lower prices of crude oil and oil products. From October prices of energy products went down by 12.3 per cent.

14 December 2001

Inflation slowed to 1.6 per cent in November

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, continued to slow down, for it was 1.6 per cent in November. In October inflation was 1.9 per cent. Inflation decelerated mainly due to reduced prices of liquid fuels and lower interest rates.

13 December 2001

Division of work between the genders is evening out

Less gainful work is done in Finland today than at the end of the 1980s. The reasons for this are the ageing of the population and a fall in the number of employed persons. The average annual working time of those employed has remained unchanged but working days have grown longer and days of leave from work have increased. Men spend distinctly more time on gainful employment than women do. However, the difference between the genders has narrowed in this respect, as men's average annual working time has decreased while women's has increased. Differences in the working hours of various employee groups have also evened out. This is indicated by Statistics Finland's Time Use Survey for which data were collected in 1999 - 2000. Altogether 5,300 persons kept detailed diaries of their time use for the Survey.

10 December 2001

One household in two in Finland has a home computer

In August 2001, 52 per cent of all households in Finland had a home computer and 36 per cent had an Internet connection. In two years, the proportion of households with an Internet connection grew by only good 10 percentage points. However, missing home connections could be compensated with connections at work or place of study, for in autumn 2000 as many as 60 per cent of all 15-74-year-olds were already able to use the Internet at home, work, place of study or elsewhere. Nine out of ten households in Finland had a mobile phone. These data originate from Statistics Finland's publication On the Road to the Finnish Information Society III.

4 December 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy weakened slightly in November

The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumer views on the economy was 3.5 in November, which is a few points lower than in October. Views on Finland's economy and especially on the development of unemployment were gloomy. Consumers' confidence in their own economy also weakened somewhat in November but households' saving possibilities were still assessed as good. In addition, the time was considered favourable for saving and taking out a loan, and there were still plenty of consumption intentions. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,603 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 5 and 21 November.

30 November 2001

Industrial output continued to fall in October

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 6.2 per cent lower in October than one year previously. The sharp fall in October was partly due to the record high output level in the reference period, that is, last year's October. Adjusted for seasonal variation, output in October fell by 0.7 per cent from September. In the January to October period, industrial output as calculated per working day went down by 0.2 per cent from the previous year.

29 November 2001

Total output fell by 1.4 per cent in September from one year ago

The volume of total output was 1.4 per cent smaller in September 2001 than in September 2000. Output fell in four of the six main industries, i.e. primary production, manufacturing, construction and transport, included in the Monthly Indicator of Total Output calculated by Statistics Finland. The industry of public services and other services grew, while output in trade was on the same level as in last year's September. According to the Monthly Indicator, total output has increased in all by 1.1 per cent during the January to September period this year compared to the corresponding months last year.

20 November 2001

Employment and unemployment in October 2001

- 43,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 67.5 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.3 per cent, 214,000 unemployed
- 19,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

19 November 2001

Producer prices fell in October

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 0.5 to 2.9 per cent from September to October. Compared to last year's October, the fall of producer prices was even faster, down by 1.6 to 8.9 per cent.

14 November 2001

Inflation dwindled to 1.9 per cent in October

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, continued to slow down, for it was 1.9 per cent in October. In September inflation was 2.2 per cent. Inflation decelerated mainly due to reduced prices of liquid fuels and lower interest rates.

1 November 2001

Consumers still confident about their own economy

The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumer views on the economy was 5.3 in October, which is approximately the same as in September. One year ago consumers' confidence in the economy was clearly stronger, however. In October consumers still had confidence in their own economy and saving possibilities. In addition, the time was considered favourable for buying consumer durables and taking out a loan. In contrast, views on Finland's economy and unemployment were dismal. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,670 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 8 and 24 October.

31 October 2001

Industrial output fell further in September

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 3.5 per cent lower in September than one year previously. Adjusted for seasonal variation, output in September was on the same level as in August. In the January to September period, industrial output as calculated per working day grew by 0.5 per cent from the previous year.

30 October 2001

Total output fell by 0.6 per cent in August from one year ago

The volume of total output was 0.6 per cent smaller in August 2001 than in August 2000. Output fell in August in four of the six main industries, i.e. primary production, manufacturing, construction and trade, included in the Monthly Indicator of Total Output calculated by Statistics Finland. The industry of public services and other services continued to grow. Output in transport was unchanged from August 2000. According to the Monthly Indicator, total output has increased in all by 1.4 per cent during the January to August period this year when compared to the corresponding months last year.

23 October 2001

Employment and unemployment in September 2001

- 3,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.7 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.7 per cent, 223,000 unemployed
- 19,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 October 2001

Import prices fell by 6.7 per cent in the year

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 6.7 per cent in the year to September. The fall of the index was primarily caused by lower prices of crude oil and base metals. From August to September, import prices rose by 0.5 per cent due to higher prices of energy products.

15 October 2001

Inflation slowed to 2.2 per cent in September

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.2 per cent in September. In August it was 2.4 per cent. Inflation slowed down mainly due to lower prices of liquid fuels compared to September 2000.

2 October 2001

Consumer confidence did not weaken any more in September

The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumer views on the economy was 0.7 in September, which is unchanged from August. Consumers still have strong belief in their own economy and saving possibilities. In addition, the time was considered favourable for saving, taking out a loan and buying consumer durables. In contrast, views on Finland's economy and unemployment were dim. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,607 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 3 and 19 September.

28 September 2001

Industrial output fell further in August

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 1.9 per cent lower in August than one year previously. However, the fall of industrial output that started in April has slowed down. Adjusted for seasonal variation, output in August even increased compared to July. In the January to August period, industrial output as calculated per working day grew by one per cent from the previous year.

27 September 2001

Total output fell by one per cent in July

The volume of total output was 1.0 per cent smaller in July 2001 than in July 2000. Output fell in July in two of the six main industries, i.e. manufacturing and construction, included in the Monthly Indicator of Total Output calculated by Statistics Finland. In contrast, the industries of agriculture and forestry, transport, and public and other services grew clearly. According to the Monthly Indicator, total output has increased by 1.6 per cent in all during the January to July period this year when compared to the corresponding months last year.

21 September 2001

GDP did not grow in the second quarter of 2001

In the second quarter of 2001 Finland's gross domestic product was only 0.3 per cent greater than in the same quarter of 2000. Compared to this year's previous quarter, GDP contracted. Finnish economy has been growing continuously from the latter part of 1993 until the spring of this year. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.

18 September 2001

Employment and unemployment in August 2001

- 8,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 69.6 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 7.8 per cent, 206,000 unemployed
- 26,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 September 2001

Import prices fell by 4.6 per cent in the year

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 4.6 per cent from August 2000 to August 2001. The fall was mainly due to lower prices of crude oil, base metals, electrical products, metal ores and oil products. The fall of the index was curbed by higher prices of vehicles and coal. From July to August, import prices fell by 0.8 per cent. The fall was primarily caused by lower prices of vehicles, base metals, metal ores, basic chemicals and oil products.

14 September 2001

Inflation 2.4 per cent in August

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.4 per cent in August. In July it was 2.5 per cent.

4 September 2001

Consumers believe unemployment will increase but are still confident about their own economy

Consumers' confidence in the economy is at its weakest since the recession of the 1990s. The consumer confidence indicator was 0.6 in August. Views on Finland's economy and unemployment development have grown more dismal. In contrast, consumers still have strong confidence in their own economy and saving possibilities. Households' financial situation is good, and saving is considered worthwhile. In addition, households still had plenty of spending intentions. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,553 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 6 and 23 August.

31 August 2001

Total output fell by 0.3 per cent in June

The volume of total output was 0.3 per cent smaller in June 2001 than in June 2000. Output fell in June in four of the six main industries of the Monthly Indicator of Total Output calculated by Statistics Finland. The industries of trade and public and other services grew clearly. According to the Monthly Indicator, total output has increased by 2.2 per cent in all during the January to June period this year when compared to the corresponding period last year.

30 August 2001

Industrial output fell further in July

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 5.4 per cent lower in July than one year previously. Industrial output has been on the decline since April. A corresponding fall in industrial output was last experienced almost ten years ago. In the January to July period, output increased only by a good one per cent from the previous year.

23 August 2001

New appointments at Statistics Finland

The Board of Statistics Finland has made the following appointments for a term ending on 31 August 2006:

21 August 2001

Number of enterprises' Internet homepages grew in 2000

Last year 60 per cent of enterprises employing more than ten persons had Internet homepages of their own, while the year before this was the case for 50 per cent of enterprises of the same size. The use of the Internet in enterprises increased from 84 to 91 per cent. These data appear from the report Internet use and e-commerce in enterprises 2001 published by Statistics Finland. The data were collected by an inquiry in spring 2001.

21 August 2001

Employment and unemployment in July 2001

- 23,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 71.3 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 7.6 per cent, 204,000 unemployed
- 21,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

17 August 2001

Producer prices fell in July

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went down by 0.1 to 2.3 per cent from June to July. Import prices fell most, by 2.3 per cent. The fall of the import price index was mainly due to lower prices of energy minerals, oil products and base metals. From July 2000, import prices fell by 2.2 per cent. The fall was primarily caused by lower prices of base metals, crude oil, electrical products, metal ores and agricultural products. The fall of the index was curbed by higher prices of vehicles, coal and metal products.

14 August 2001

Inflation continued to slow down in July

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.5 per cent in July. Inflation slowed down clearly, for in June it was 3.0 per cent. Inflation was curbed above all by lower price of petrol.

1 August 2001

Consumers' views on Finnish economy grew gloomier in July

The consumer confidence indicator, expressing consumers' views on the economy, sank to 3.8 in July, i.e. the lowest since 1993. Consumers' views on Finland's economy grew distinctly gloomier. This applied to estimates concerning economic development over both the past and the coming 12 months. However, consumers continue to be confident about their own economy and saving possibilities. Consumers also thought in July that the time was favourable for making major purchases and their consumption intentions were strong. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,520 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 20 July.

31 July 2001

Industrial output decreased further in June

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day decreased by 3.0 per cent in the year to June. In the January to June 2001 period, industrial output increased by 2.5 per cent from the corresponding time period twelve months back. In the first quarter of 2001, industrial output still grew by good 7 per cent but in the second quarter fell by just under 2 per cent when compared to the corresponding time periods in 2000.

31 July 2001

Total output fell by 0.7 per cent in May

The volume of total output was 0.7 per cent smaller in May 2001 than in May 2000. The fall partly reflects the strong, 8.7 per cent growth of total output that was recorded in May 2000. Nevertheless, the Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that over the January to May 2001 period, total output went up by 2.8 per cent in all when compared to the corresponding time period in 2000. Output fell in May in four out of the six main industries of the Monthly Indicator. The only industry that showed clear growth was government and other services. A fall was last recorded in monthly total output in March 1996.

24 July 2001

Employment and unemployment in June 2001

- 49,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 71.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.3 per cent, 256,000 unemployed
- 25,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 July 2001

Export prices fell by 0.7 per cent in June

According to Statistics Finland, export prices went down by 0.7 per cent from May to June. The fall was mainly due to lower prices of oil products and pulp. The fall of the index was curbed by higher prices of paper and paperboard, timber and wood products. Export prices rose by 1.3 per cent from June 2000.

13 July 2001

Inflation slowed down to 3.0 per cent in June

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.0 per cent in June. In May it was 3.4 per cent. The rate of inflation was slowed down mainly due to lower price of petrol.

3 July 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy weaker than twelve months ago

The consumer confidence indicator, expressing consumers' views on the economy, stood at 5.6 in June whereas in June 2000 it was 13.1. Consumers' views of Finland's economy and of whether making major purchases would be worthwhile have grown gloomier. However, consumers continue to be confident about their own economy and saving possibilities. Laying money aside and raising a loan are also considered worthwhile. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,568 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 4 and 21 June.

29 June 2001

Downward trend in industrial output strengthened in May

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day decreased by 2.3 per cent in the year to May.

29 June 2001

Growth of total output slowed down to 1.9 per cent in April

The volume of total output was 1.9 per cent greater in April 2001 than in April 2000. In March, output grew by 3.7 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that falling industrial output weakened economic growth in April. However, transport and trade upheld total economic growth.

26 June 2001

Finns participated actively in cultural events

Close on three out of four Finns aged 10 or over attended a cultural event or visited a museum in 1999. Cinema performances were among the most popular cultural events, followed by theatre performances, concerts and art exhibitions. The data are derived from Statistics Finland's Time Use Survey for which nearly 6,000 Finns were interviewed.

21 June 2001

GDP grew by 3.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2001

In the first quarter of 2001, the volume of Finland's gross domestic product grew by 3.4 per cent compared to the same quarter in 2000. Output did not grow compared to the previous quarter. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.

19 June 2001

Employment and unemployment in May 2001

- 20,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 68.5 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.3 per cent, 304,000 unemployed
- 38,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 June 2001

Import prices rose by 1.1 per cent in May

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went up by 0.3 to 1.1 per cent in May. Import prices rose most, by 1.1 per cent. This rise was mainly due to higher prices of minerals, non-ferrous metals and vehicles. Import prices have risen by 0.3 per cent from May 2000. The highest increases occurred in the prices of energy products, up by 10.8 per cent, while the prices of raw materials and output commodities fell by 2.7 per cent.

14 June 2001

Inflation accelerated to 3.4 per cent in May

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.4 per cent in May. In April it was 3.0 per cent. The rate of inflation was mainly accelerated by higher prices of food and petrol.

13 June, 2001

Heli Jeskanen-Sundström the new Director General of Statistics Finland

The Finnish Council of State appointed Deputy Director General Heli Jeskanen-Sundström (54), Master of Social Sciences, as the new Director General of Statistics Finland today, 13 June 2001. The appointment will take effect on 1 September 2001 when the present Director General, Timo Relander retires.

5 June 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy recovered slightly in May

The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumers' views on the economy rose in May to 6.8 from April's 4.8. One year ago the views were brighter, however. Estimates of Finland's economy improved slightly in May, and consumers' confidence in their own economy was still strong. Saving and raising a loan were also considered more worthwhile than before. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,549 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 7 and 25 May.

1 June 2001

Mobile phone as an everyday tool

The mobile phone has taken up a permanent position in people's life, but for the computer and information networks the road has been very bumpy indeed. User friendliness of the mobile phone has made its users accept or forget its higher price. The computer and information networks have managed to find a natural place in people's everyday activities nowhere near as generally as the mobile phone, which is a means of personal interaction. The essential question for the continuing development of the information society is whether anything could be found in the information networks that would motivate people to use them more.

31 May 2001

Industrial output fell in April

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 0.7 per cent lower in April than one year previously.

31 May 2001

Total output grew by 4.2 per cent in March

The volume of total output was 4.2 per cent greater in March 2001 than in March 2000. In February, output grew by 3.9 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, of the main branches of industry, the brisk growth of the economy was sustained by manufacturing in March.

22 May 2001

Employment and unemployment in April 2001

- 38,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 10.3 per cent, 267,000 unemployed
- 31,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 May 2001

Producer prices rose in April

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went up by 0.4 to 1.0 per cent in April. Import prices rose most. The rise in the import price index was mainly due to higher prices of crude oil and car parts. The rise was curbed by lower prices of base metals. From April 2000 import prices increased by 1.7 per cent.

14 May 2001

Inflation 3.0 per cent in April

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.0 per cent in April. The rate of inflation was almost unchanged, for in March it was 2.9 per cent.

3 May 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy weakened further in April

The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumers' views on the economy fell to 4.8 in April from March's 6.6. In April 2000 the consumer confidence indicator was 13.5. Views on Finland's economy have become even gloomier. In contrast, consumers' confidence in their own economy and saving possibilities was still strong. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,615 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 20 April.

30 April, 2001

Industrial output grew by 6.8 per cent from previous year in March

According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 6.8 per cent in the year to March.

27 April 2001

Total output grew by 3.9 per cent in February

The volume of total output was 3.9 per cent greater in February 2001 than in February 2000. In January, output grew by 5.5 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, of the main branches of industry, the brisk growth of the economy was sustained by manufacturing in February.

24 April 2001

Employment and unemployment in March 2001

- 72,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.3 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.6 per cent, 247,000 unemployed
- 35,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 April 2001

Producer prices continued to fall in March

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went down in March for the fourth successive month. Import and export prices fell most. Producer prices for manufactured products remained unchanged.

12 April 2001

Inflation slowed down to 2.9 per cent in March

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.9 per cent in March. It was 3.1 per cent in February. The rate of inflation was primarily slowed down by lower price of petrol from last year's March.

3 April 2001

Consumers' views on Finnish economy grew gloomier in March - confidence in own economy remains strong

Finnish consumers' confidence in good economic development has weakened. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 6.6 in March, having still been 12.7 in January. The drop in the indicator was caused by consumers' gloomier views on the Finnish economy. Consumers' confidence in their own economy remained strong in March. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,620 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 5 and 21 March.

2 April 2001

Research and development expenditure approximately FIM 25.9 billion in 2000

In 1999, FIM 23.1 billion was spent on research and development in Finland. The expenditure rose in real terms by almost 15 per cent from the year before. The growth of R&D expenditure continued through 2000, when it is estimated to reach FIM 25.9 billion. The data derive from Statistics Finland's publication Tutkimus- ja kehittämistoiminta 1999 (Research and Development in Finland in 1999, in Finnish only).

30 March, 2001

Industrial output grew by 7.1 per cent from previous year in February

According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 7.1 per cent in the year to February.

30 March 2001

Total output grew by 5.2 per cent in January

The volume of total output was 5.2 per cent greater in January 2001 than in January 2000. In December 2000, output grew by 3.2 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that output went up in all main industries of the national economy in January.

20 March 2001

Employment and unemployment in February 2001

- 53,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 65.6 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.8 per cent, 248,000 unemployed
- 30,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

19 March 2001

Import prices fell in February

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 0.7 per cent from January to February. This fall was principally due to lower prices of electrical products, oil products, basic chemicals and agricultural products.

14 March 2001

Inflation 3.1 per cent in February

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.1 per cent in February. The rate of inflation slowed down, since in January it was 3.3 per cent.

2 March 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy slightly weaker in February

Consumers' confidence in the economy has become somewhat weaker, but it is still strong. The consumer confidence indicator was 10.1 in February, while in January it stood at 12.7 and a year ago at 17.6. Views on the Finnish economy and the time being favourable for making major purchases worsened in February. However, consumers had several different consumption intentions. In addition, consumers thought that raising a loan was now clearly more worthwhile than last autumn. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,555 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 5 and 23 February.

28 February 2001

Gross domestic product grew by 5.7 per cent last year

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, Finnish GDP grew by 5.7 per cent in volume in the year 2000. Last year was the seventh consecutive year of growth. In the last quarter of the year, gross domestic product increased by 5.5 per cent compared to the corresponding time period of the year before.

28 February 2001

Industrial output grew by 6.6 per cent from previous year in January

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 6.6 per cent higher in January than one year previously.

28 February, 2001

Growth of total output slowed down in December

The volume of total output was 3.4 per cent greater in December 2000 than in December 1999. In November 2000, output grew by 7.5 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, apart from agriculture and forestry and transport, output went up in all main industries of the national economy in December.

20 February, 2001

Employment and unemployment in January 2001

- 32,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 65.1 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.9 per cent, 248,000 unemployed
- 29,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

19 February, 2001

Import prices fell by 1.2 per cent in January

According to Statistics Finland, import prices went down by 1.2 per cent from December 2000 to January 2001. This fall was principally due to lower prices of oil products, base metals, vehicles and metal ores.

15 February 2001

Industrial output grew by 7 per cent from previous year in December

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 7.0 per cent higher in December 2000 than one year previously.

14 February, 2001

Inflation slowed down to 3.3 per cent in January

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.3 per cent in January. In December it was 3.5 per cent. The rate of inflation was primarily curbed by lower prices of liquid fuels and dwellings.

1 February, 2001

Consumers: Time favourable for making major purchases in January

Consumers' confidence in the economy has become somewhat stronger. The consumer confidence indicator was 12.7 in January, while last autumn it stood at 6.9 at its lowest. However, one year ago confidence was even stronger. Views on the time being favourable for making major purchases and raising a loan improved in January. In addition, belief in one's own economy and saving possibilities was strong. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,667 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 8 and 23 January 2001.

31 January 2001

Industrial output grew strongly last year

According to Statistics Finland, industrial output increased by 11 per cent in 2000. Growth of industrial output was last as strong as this in 1994, although it was preceded by the economic recession of the early 1990s. From 1994 industrial output has grown in volume by 50 per cent. Industrial output as calculated per working day was 6.9 per cent higher in December 2000 than in December 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 30 January.

31 January, 2001

Brisk growth of total output continued in November

The volume of total output was 7.1 per cent greater in November 2000 than in November 1999. In October, output grew by 8.2 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, apart from agriculture and forestry, output went up in all main industries of the national economy in November.

23 January, 2001

Employment and unemployment in December 2000

- 33,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.3 per cent, 210,000 unemployed
- 15,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices

18 January, 2001

Producer price indices fell in December

According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went down by 4.4 to 0.7 per cent from November to December. Import prices fell most, by 4.4 per cent. This was mainly attributable to lower prices of crude oil, oil products, chemicals and chemical products. From December 1999, import prices rose by 6.5 per cent. The year-on-year rise was mainly due to higher prices of oil products, chemicals and chemical products, crude oil and natural gas, and vehicles and base metals. The annual average of the import price index rose by 13.1 per cent from 1999 to 2000.

15 January, 2001

Industrial output grew by 17.3 per cent from previous year in November

According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 17.3 per cent in the year to November. In the January to November period, output increased by 11.4 per cent from the same period twelve months back. Since May 2000, industrial output has been growing at double-digit percentages. In the past few months, industrial output has been growing at a noticeably faster rate in Finland than in the other countries of the European Union.

15 January, 2001

Inflation slowed down to 3.5 per cent in December

According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.5 per cent in December. In November the rate was 4.0 per cent. Inflation was curbed above all by lower prices of liquid fuels. The average inflation rate for the year 2000 was 3.4 per cent.

9 January 2001

Consumers' confidence in the economy stronger in December

Consumers' confidence in the economy has become stronger after the drop last autumn. The consumer confidence indicator was 11 in December, i.e. four points higher than at its lowest in October. Views on Finland's economy particularly improved in December. In addition, saving was considered ever more worthwhile. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,687 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 4 and 20 December 2000.