Press releases 2002
31 December 2002Industrial output in November up by 0.9 per cent from October
Seasonally adjusted industrial output rose by 0.9 per cent in November as compared with October, according to Statistics Finland. The rise in seasonally adjusted output from September to October was 1.1 per cent.
31 December 2002Consumers' confidence in economy unchanged
Consumers continue to have confidence in their own economy, but remain sceptical of the prospects of Finland's economy, especially the development of unemployment. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 9.4 in December, or about as high as in November and slightly higher than a year ago. In December, consumers' views about the financial situation of household were positive and consumers considered the time favourable for raising a loan. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,637 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 18 December.
31 December 2002GDP in October on the same level as in September
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP in October was on the same level as the month before. In September and October, the growth of GDP levelled out as compared with the preceding months.
20 December 2002Growth in research and development expenditure levelled off last year
In 2001, EUR 4.6 billion in all was spent on research and development in Finland. The expenditure grew in real terms by approximately 1.5 per cent from the year before. Twelve months earlier the rate of growth exceeded 10 per cent. The GDP share of R&D expenditure stayed at 3.4 per cent in 2001, like in the previous year. This means that the period of rapid growth that had prevailed since the early 1990s has now ended. The data derive from Statistics Finland's statistics on research and development activity in Finland in 2001.
18 December 2002Information and communication technology widely used in the Nordic Countries
In 2002, approximately 60 per cent of the population aged 16 to 74 in the Nordic Countries were able access the Internet from home. Home access was the most widespread in Iceland, where just over 70 per cent of the population had one, with Sweden coming next with its corresponding figure of close on 70 per cent. The frequency of home access to the Internet was the lowest among the Nordic Countries in Finland at 53 per cent of the population. These data are derived from the publication Nordic Information Society Statistics 2002, issued jointly by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the National Statistical Institutes of the Nordic Countries.
18 December 2002Export prices fell by 1.0 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, export prices went down by 1.0 per cent from November 2001 to November 2002. The fall was mainly attributable to that prices of paper and paperboard declined by 5.4 per cent and prices of electronic goods and optical equipment by 3.2 per cent. The fall of export prices was most sustained by higher prices of oil products and of measurement and control equipment.
17 December 2002Employment and unemployment in November 2002
- 12,000 fewer employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.5 per cent
- 16,000 fewer unemployed than one year ago
- Rate of unemployment 8.2 per cent, 210,000 unemployed
- 17,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Inflation 1.6 per cent in November
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.6 per cent in November. In October it stood at 1.5 per cent.
9 December 2002Gross domestic product grew in the third quarter
In the third quarter of 2002, the volume of Finland's gross domestic product grew by 0.5 per cent from the second quarter. Compared to the third quarter of 2001, GDP was up by 2.3 per cent, and in the January to September period GDP increased altogether by 1.3 per cent from the year before. This appears from the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.
29 November 2002Industrial output went up by one per cent in October from September
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was one per cent higher in October than in September. In September, seasonally adjusted industrial output fell by 0.4 per cent from August.
29 November 2002Consumers have confidence in their own economy
As a rule, consumers' estimates and expectations concerning the economy have been growing weaker ever since June. In November, however, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 9.5, or slightly higher than in October and distinctly higher than twelve months ago. Consumers' views about their own economy and saving possibilities were positive in November. Conversely, they viewed the development of unemployment pessimistically and that of Finland's economy sceptically. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,600 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 19 November.
28 November 2002GDP fell by 0.1 per cent in September from the previous month
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP was 0.1 per cent lower in September than in August. Of the main industries of the monthly indicator, manufacturing and trade fell slightly compared to August.
19 November 2002Employment and unemployment in October 2002
- 6,000 fewer employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 67.1 per cent
- 4,000 more unemployed than one year ago
- Rate of unemployment 8.5 per cent, 218,000 unemployed
- 21,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Wholesale prices rose by 0.8 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, wholesale prices went up by 0.8 per cent from last year's October. The rise was mainly due to higher prices of oil products, crude oil, and electricity and district heat. The rise of wholesale prices was curbed by lower prices of electronic goods and chemicals and chemical products.
14 November 2002Inflation accelerated to 1.5 per cent in October
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.5 per cent in October. In September it stood at 1.0 per cent. The faster rate of inflation was mostly due to the higher price of liquid fuels from last year's October.
31 October 2002Industrial output fell by 0.5 per cent in September from August
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 0.5 per cent lower in September than in August. In August, seasonally adjusted industrial output fell by 2.6 per cent from July.
31 October 2002Consumers' confidence in the economy weakened in October
Consumers' estimates and expectations concerning the economy have grown more dismal. The consumer confidence indicator was 7.8 in October, which is three units lower than in September. The consumer confidence indicator sank at the same ever more clearly below its long-term average. Consumers' views on the development of unemployment, in particular, were very pessimistic in October. In addition, their belief in their own economic situation had weakened a little. Consumers still regarded their financial situation good and considered the time favourable for purchasing consumer durables and taking out a loan. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,636 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 18 October.
30 October 2002According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP increased by 0.2 per cent in August compared to July. Since the first part of 2002, GDP has grown monthly in comparison to the level of the latter part of 2001.
22 October 2002Employment and unemployment in September 2002
- 15,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 67.0 per cent
- 16,000 fewer unemployed than a year ago
- Rate of unemployment 8.1 per cent, 207,000 unemployed
- 23,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Import prices fell by 3.1 per cent in the year
Import prices declined by 3.1 per cent from last year's September to this year's September. The fall was particularly due to lower prices of crude oil, basic chemicals, electronic circuits and parts and car parts. The fall of the index was sustained by higher prices of metal ores and food and beverages from the previous year.
14 October 2002Inflation slowed to 1.0 per cent in September
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.0 per cent in September. In August it stood at 1.4 per cent. The lower rate of inflation was mostly due to the slower rise in prices of food, telephone charges and cultural and leisure services from last year.
30 September 2002Consumers' confidence in economy unchanged
Consumers' belief in economy did not weaken any further in September. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 10.6 in September, or roughly unchanged from August. Compared to September 2001, consumers' faith in the economy was distinctly stronger. Nevertheless, consumers' views on Finland's economy and on the development of unemployment were still cautious. Conversely, consumers continued to have strong faith in their own economy and regarded the time favourable for raising a loan in September. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,613 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 19 September.
30 September 2002Industrial output fell by 2.5 per cent in August from July
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 2.5 per cent lower in August than in July. In July, seasonally adjusted industrial output grew by 0.4 per cent from June.
27 September 2002According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP increased by 0.4 per cent in July compared to June. Output volumes fell from the previous month in the first half and at the end of last year. From the first part of 2002, GDP has grown monthly compared to the level of the latter part of 2001.
18 September 2002Export prices fell by 3.3 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, producer prices fell by 1.4 to 3.3 per cent from August 2001 to August 2002. Export prices fell most, by 3.3 per cent and wholesale prices least, by 1.4 per cent.
17 September 2002Employment and unemployment in August 2002
- 6,000 fewer employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 69.3 per cent
- 8,000 more unemployed than a year ago
- Rate of unemployment 8.1 per cent, 214,000 unemployed
- 25,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Inflation slowed to 1.4 per cent in August
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.4 per cent in August. In July it stood at 1.7 per cent. The slower rate of inflation was mostly due to lower prices of fruit, vegetables and clothes from last year's August.
6 September 2002GDP grew in the second quarter
In the second quarter of 2002 the volume of Finland's gross domestic product grew by 2.1 per cent from the first quarter. Compared to the second quarter of 2001, GDP was up by 2.5 per cent. The volume of exports started to grow again after a twelve month spell of contraction. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.
30 August 2002Industrial output fell by 1.4 per cent in July from June
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 1.4 per cent lower in July than in June. In June, seasonally adjusted industrial output grew by 4.5 per cent from May.
30 August 2002Consumers' confidence in economy weakened in August
Consumers' views on Finland's economy and on the development of unemployment grew distinctly gloomier in August. Their faith in their own economy also weakened somewhat. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 10.4 in August, having still been 13.3 in July and over 15 in spring. Nevertheless, consumers' confidence in the economy continues to be stronger than twelve months ago. Conversely, consumers regarded their financial situation and saving possibilities as excellent in August. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,612 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 19 August.
29 August 2002According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP increased by 0.5 per cent in June compared to May. The volume of GDP has been growing every month since February.
20 August 2002Employment and unemployment in July 2002
- 10,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 71.3 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 7.8 per cent, 212,000 unemployed
- 19,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Export prices fell by 3.4 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, export prices fell by 3.4 per cent from July 2001 to July 2002. The fall was primarily due to that prices of pulp, paper and paper products went down by 5.9 per cent and prices of electronic goods by 7.4 per cent from the year before. The fall was curbed most by the 1.9 per cent rise in prices of base metals and the 1.7 per cent increase in prices of vehicles.
14 August 2002Inflation accelerated to 1.7 per cent in July
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.7 per cent in July. In June it stood at 1.1 per cent. The faster rate of inflation was mostly due to reduction in liquid fuel prices in last year's July and to higher prices of vegetables.
31 July 2002Industrial output grew by 4 per cent in June from May
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output went up by 4.0 per cent in June from May. In May seasonally adjusted output decreased by 1.6 per cent from April.
31 July 2002One third of consumers anticipate unemployment to worsen
Consumers' confidence in the economy has diminished slightly in the last few months but is still strong. The consumer confidence indicator was 13.3 in July. Views on the development of unemployment deteriorated particularly in July. In contrast, consumers still had strong faith in their own household's saving possibilities. Consumers considered the time to be favourable for purchasing consumer durables for the first time since the introduction of the euro. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,650 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 19 July.
30 July 2002According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP increased by 0.4 per cent in May compared to April. The volume of GDP produced in one month has last been on a corresponding level in February to March 2001.
23 July 2002Employment and unemployment in June 2002
- 8,000 fewer employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 71.1 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.0 per cent, 247,000 unemployed
- 24,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Import prices fell by 4.9 per cent in twelve months
According to Statistics Finland, import prices fell by 4.9 per cent from last year's June to this year's June. The fall was chiefly attributable to lower prices of crude oil, chemicals and chemical products compared to June 2001.
15 July 2002Inflation slowed down to 1.1 per cent in June
The year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.1 per cent in June. Inflation slowed down, for in May it stood at 1.3 per cent. Inflation decelerated mainly because of lower prices of petrol and light fuel oil compared to last year's June.
28 June 2002Industrial output fell by 1.6 per cent in May from April
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 1.6 per cent lower in May than in April. In April, seasonally adjusted industrial output grew by 2.4 per cent from March.
28 June 2002Consumers' confidence in Finland's economy weakened slightly in June
The consumer confidence indicator, expressing Finnish consumers' views on the economy, stood at 14.8 in June, while it was 15.6 in May and 11.6 one year ago. Consumers' views on Finland's economy and the development of unemployment deteriorated somewhat in June. In contrast, consumers still had strong faith in their own economy and saving possibilities. They had some doubts in June about the time being favourable for purchasing consumer durables. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,568 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 3 and 20 June.
27 June 2002According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP increased by 0.5 per cent in April compared to March. The upturn is very big since the monthly volume of GDP has last been on a corresponding level in March 2001.
18 June 2002According to Statistics Finland, producer price indices went down by 1.6 to 5.4 per cent from last year's May to this year's May. Export prices declined most, by 5.4 per cent. The fall of export prices was chiefly due to lower prices of paper and paperboard, oil products, pulp and electrical products.
18 June 2002Employment and unemployment in May 2002
- Almost as many employed as a year ago
- Employment rate 68.5 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.9 per cent, 323,000 unemployed
- 36,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
Inflation slowed to 1.3 per cent in May
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, slowed down to 1.3 per cent in May. In April it stood at 1.8 per cent. Inflation decelerated mainly because of lower price of petrol compared to last year's May.
7 June 2002GDP contracted in the first quarter
In the first quarter of 2002 the volume of Finland's gross domestic product contracted by 0.6 per cent from the end of 2001. Compared to the first quarter of 2001, GDP contracted by 2 per cent, but in the comparison quarter of last year GDP was, in fact, at an all-time high. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.
31 May 2002Industrial output grew by 2.4 per cent in April from March
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 2.4 per cent higher in April than in March. In March, industrial output grew by 2.6 per cent from February. Seasonally adjusted output has grown in three consecutive months.
31 May 2002Consumers believe in favourable development of both their own and Finland's economy
The consumer confidence indicator, expressing Finnish consumers' views on the economy, stood at 15.6 in May, which is approximately the same as in April but higher than twelve months ago. Consumers' views on Finland's economy improved somewhat in May. Saving and raising a loan were considered worthwhile. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,634 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 22 May.
30 May 2002The fall of GDP stabilised in March
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP was on the same level in March as in February. Towards the end of 2001 and at the very beginning of 2002 GDP fell.
21 May 2002Employment and unemployment in April 2002
- 14,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.5 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 10.4 per cent, 270,000 unemployed
- 34,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
17 May 2002
Import prices rose by 1.4 per cent in April
According to Statistics Finland, import prices went up by 1.4 per cent from March to April. The rise was especially attributable to higher prices of crude oil but prices of oil products and base metals also rose. From last year's April import prices fell by 3.4 per cent. The fall was mainly due to lower prices of crude oil, chemicals and chemical products.
14 May 2002
Inflation still 1.8 per cent in April
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was in April the same as in two previous months, i.e. 1.8 per cent.
30 April 2002
Consumers believe unemployment will fall
Consumers' confidence in the economy has gained strength. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 15.7 in April, having been 13.3 in March and 11.6 in April 2001. Consumers' views on their own and on Finland's economy were unchanged compared to March. For the first time since last July more consumers believed unemployment would fall rather than rise. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,579 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 18 April.
30 April 2002
Industrial output grew by 1.6 per cent in March from February
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 1.6 per cent higher in March than in February. In February industrial output went up by 2 per cent from January. Seasonally adjusted output has grown in two consecutive months.
29 April 2002
GDP fell in February from the previous month
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP fell in February by 0.2 per cent from January. The decrease of GDP halted during last year's summer and early autumn. In the last reference months GDP has fallen again.
23 April 2002
Employment and unemployment in March 2002
- As many employed as a year ago
- Employment rate 66.1 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.5 per cent, 243,000 unemployed
- 33,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 April 2002
Import prices rose slightly in March
According to Statistics Finland, import prices went up by 0.2 per cent from February to March. The rise was principally attributable to higher prices of base metals and crude oil. The rise of the index was held back by lower prices of basic chemicals and oil products. Import prices have now been rising in four successive months. From last year's March import prices fell by 3.8 per cent. The fall was mainly due to lower prices of crude oil, chemicals and chemical products, and base metals.
15 April 2002
Inflation stayed at 1.8 per cent in March
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was in March the same as in February, 1.8 per cent.
2 April 2002
Consumers' confidence in the economy unchanged
The consumer confidence indicator, expressing Finnish consumers' views on the economy, stood at 13.3 in March, which is approximately the same as in this year's February and in March 2001. The lowest indicator last autumn was recorded in November when it stood at 3.5. Consumers' views on their own economy were optimistic in March, and they were also regaining their confidence in Finland's economy. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,705 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 1 and 18 March.
28 March 2002
Industrial output grew by 1.6 per cent in February from January
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 1.6 per cent higher in February than in January. In January industrial output went down by 1.9 per cent from December. Seasonally adjusted output grew last in November when output rose by 1.1 per cent from October.
27 March 2002
GDP fell in January from the previous month
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP fell by 0.4 per cent in January from December. From February to June 2001 output always fell compared to the previous month, but in July the fall halted. According to the newest seasonally adjusted data, the trend has been declining again in the last few months.
19 March 2002
Employment and unemployment in February 2002
- 43,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.6 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.4 per cent, 242,000 unemployed
- 35,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 March 2002
Export prices fell by 4.9 per cent from last year's February
According to Statistics Finland, export prices went down by 4.9 per cent from February 2001, primarily due to fallen prices of pulp, paper, paper products, oil products and base metals. The fall of the overall index was curbed by higher prices of agricultural products. From January to February, export prices went up by 0.3 per cent. Higher prices of base metals, wood and wood products put the overall index up by most.
14 March 2002
Inflation slowed to 1.8 per cent in February
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.8 per cent in February. In January it stood at 2.3 per cent. The inflation slowed down mainly because food prices fell in February and prices of liquid fuels rose during the reference period, i.e. in February 2001.
1 March 2002
Consumers have trust in their own economy and favour borrowing
Consumers' confidence in the economy strengthened further in February. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 13.4 in February, while it was 10.5 in January and 3.5 at its lowest in November. Consumers' views of their own economy, in particular, were bright in February. Consumers also assessed the development of unemployment more optimistically than in the previous months. Borrowing was considered worthwhile but the time was seen unfavourable for purchasing consumer durables. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,625 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 4 and 22 February.
28 February 2002
Gross domestic product grew by 0.7 per cent last year
According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the volume of GDP grew by 0.7 per cent in 2001. The growth was very modest in comparison to the fast growth rate in the last seven years. Gross domestic product, or the combined value added of the goods and services produced, totalled EUR 135 billion, i.e. FIM 803 billion last year.
28 February 2002
Industrial output fell by 2 per cent in January from December
According to Statistics Finland, seasonally adjusted industrial output was 2 per cent lower in January than in December. In December industrial output went down by 5.4 per cent from November. Seasonally adjusted output grew last in November when output rose by 1.3 per cent from October.
27 February 2002
GDP on level with the previous month in December
According to the trend of the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland, the volume of GDP was on the same level in December as in November. From February to June 2001 output fell compared to the previous month, but in July the fall halted. GDP grew in August, September, October and November.
22 February 2002
Inflation 2.3 per cent in January
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.3 per cent in January. As of January 2002, changes in consumer prices are calculated according to the new Consumer Price Index 2000=100. Calculated with the new Index, inflation in December 2001 was 1.8 per cent. The quickened rate of inflation was almost entirely due to reduction in liquid fuel prices in January 2001 and to higher food prices.
19 February 2002
Employment and unemployment in January 2002
- 14,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 65.3 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.9 per cent, 252,000 unemployed
- 29,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 February 2002
Wholesale prices rose slightly in January
According to Statistics Finland, wholesale prices went up by 0.6 per cent from December to January. The rise in the overall index was mainly due to higher prices of oil products and electricity. From January 2001, wholesale prices went down by 1.3 per cent. The fall was primarily caused by lower prices of pulp, paper and paper products, base metals, crude oil, chemicals and chemical products, and oil products.
6 February 2002
Research and development expenditure 3.4 per cent of GDP in 2000
In 2000, EUR 4.4 billion (FIM 26.3 billion) was spent on research and development in Finland. The expenditure rose in real terms by over 10 per cent from the year before. The growth of R&D expenditure continued through 2001, when it is estimated to be EUR 5.0 billion. The data derive from Statistics Finland's publication Tutkimus- ja kehittämistoiminta 2000 (Research and Development in Finland in 2000, published in Finnish only).
1 February 2002
Consumers' confidence in the economy strengthened further in January
Finns' economic sentiments have improved clearly over the last few months. The consumer confidence indicator stood at 10.5 in January, while it was 6.9 in December and 3.5 in November. Consumers' confidence in the favourable development of both their own and Finland's economy strengthened in January. In contrast, it was estimated that inflation has accelerated and the time was considered less favourable than before for buying consumer durables. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,628 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 7 and 24 January.
31 January 2002
Industrial output fell by 3.1 per cent in December from the year before
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 3.1 per cent lower in December than one year previously. Adjusted for seasonal variation, output in December also fell by nearly one per cent from November.
30 January 2002
GDP fell by 0.7 per cent in November from one year ago
The volume of GDP was 0.7 per cent smaller in November 2001 than in November 2000. Output fell in three of the six main industries, i.e. primary production, manufacturing and construction, included in the Monthly Indicator of GDP calculated by Statistics Finland. The industries of trade, public services and other services, and transport grew. GDP increased in all by one per cent between January and November 2001 compared to the corresponding months the year before. Adjusted for seasonal variation, GDP grew slightly in November compared to October.
22 January 2002
Employment and unemployment in December 2001
- 28,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 67.0 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.1 per cent, 208,000 unemployed
- 12,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 January 2002
Import prices rose by 0.7 per cent in December 2001
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 0.7 per cent from November to December last year, mainly due to increases in the prices of crude oil, motor vehicles and vegetables. In the year to December 2001 import prices fell by 7.0 per cent. Import prices were on average 2.8 per cent lower in 2001 than in 2000, largely because of declined average annual prices of crude oil, basic metals and electrical products.
14 January 2002
Inflation 1.6 per cent in December
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 1.6 per cent in December, which is the same as in November. The average inflation for the year 2001 was 2.6 per cent.
10 January 2002
Consumers' confidence in the economy strengthened in December
Consumers' estimates on the economy weakened during last year. However, the consumer confidence indicator rose in December to 6.9 from November's 3.5. Views on Finland's economy and the development of unemployment improved in December. In addition, consumers still assessed their own economy and saving possibilities as good. The time was considered favourable for taking out a loan and there were still a great number of consumption intentions. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,635 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 3 and 19 December.