Press releases 2000
29 December 2000
Strong growth of industrial output continued in November
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was as much as 17 per cent higher in November 2000 than in November 1999. In the January to November period, industrial output grew by 11.4 per cent compared to the same period last year. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 28 December.
29 December 2000
Growth of total output brisk in October
The volume of total output was 8.1 per cent greater in October 2000 than in October 1999. In September, output grew by 5.5 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 October.
22 December, 2000
GDP grew by 5.6 per cent in the third quarter
In the third quarter of 2000, the volume of Finland's gross domestic product grew by 5.6 per cent compared to the same quarter in 1999. Of this growth, 3.1 percentage points came from the metal industry. In the January to September period, Finland's gross domestic product increased by 5.3 per cent. Finnish economy has now been growing continuously since the latter part of 1993. This is indicated by the preliminary National Accounts data compiled by Statistics Finland.
20 December, 2000
Employment and unemployment in November 2000
- 52,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.8 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.7 per cent, 224,000 unemployed
- 19,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 December, 2000
Producer prices rose by 0.1 to 1.0 per cent from October to November
According to Statistics Finland, producer prices went up by 0.1 to 1.0 per cent from October to November. Import prices rose most, by 1.0 per cent. This was mainly attributable to higher prices of crude oil and natural gases, oil products, iron, steel and iron alloys, and chemicals and chemical products. In the year to November, import prices have increased by 13.2 per cent.
15 December 2000
Industrial output reached a record growth of 18.3 per cent from the previous year in October
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day attained a record growth of 18.3 per cent in the year to October. In the January to October period, output increased by 10.8 per cent from the year before. In Finland growth figures have last been higher than this over 20 years ago. Most of the growth is attributable to as high increase as 74 per cent in the manufacture of electrical equipment. Without electrical equipment, growth in industrial output was just 3.2 per cent. This internationally high growth is partly explained by the modest growth figures achieved in the reference period, i.e. last year's October.
15 December, 2000
Inflation 4.0 per cent in November
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 4.0 per cent in November. The rate of inflation slowed down slightly, for it was 4.1 per cent in October.
12 December, 2000
Finland ranks among EU leaders as producer of statistical information
The tasks and challenges facing statistical production in the international environment were the topics of a special Seminar held to mark the 135th Anniversary of Statistics Finland on 12 December 2000.
1 December 2000
Consumers' confidence in the economy slightly stronger in November
The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumers' views on the economy was to 9.3 in November, i.e. good two points higher than in October. However, confidence in the economy was clearly stronger one year ago. In particular, views on Finland's economy and on the time being favourable for making major purchases improved in November. In contrast, fewer consumers than before believed that unemployment would decrease. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,597 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 6 and 22 November.
30 November 2000
Record growth for industrial output in October
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was as much as 18.2 per cent higher in October 2000 than in October 1999. In Finland growth figures have last been higher than this over 20 years ago, in July 1980. These exceptionally high growth figures are partly explained by the slow growth of only good 2 per cent in the reference period, i.e. last year's October. In the January to October period, industrial output grew by 10.7 per cent compared to the same period last year. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 29 November.
30 November 2000
Growth of total output continued in September
The volume of total output was 5.5 per cent greater in September than in September 1999. In August, output grew by 6.7 per cent from the previous year. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, apart from trade, output went up in all main industries of the national economy in September.
21 November, 2000
Employment and unemployment in October 2000
- 53,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.9 per cent, 225,000 unemployed
- 20,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
17 November, 2000
According to Statistics Finland, the import price index fell by 0.6 per cent from September to October. The other producer price indices continued to rise. The fall in the import price index was mainly attributable to reductions in the prices of crude oil and metal ores. Against this, the prices of oil products went up. In the year to October import prices have risen by 14.3 per cent, with biggest increases in the prices of oil products and energy minerals.
15 November 2000
Industrial output grew by 13.9 per cent from the previous year in September
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day grew by 13.9 per cent in the year to September. In the January to September period, output increased by 9.9 per cent from the year before.
15 November, 2000
Inflation 4.1 per cent in October
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 4.1 per cent in October. Inflation slowed down somewhat, for in September the rate was 4.2 per cent.
2 November, 2000
Consumers' confidence in Finland's economy weakened further
The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumers' views on the economy was to 6.9 in October, i.e. good two points lower than in September. This year the consumer confidence indicator has declined altogether by about ten points. Views on Finland's economy, in particular, became dimmer in October. Estimates of the time being favourable for raising a loan weakened further. In contrast, consumers still had confidence in their own economy and saving was thought even more worthwhile. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,652 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 20 October.
31 October, 2000
Strong growth of industrial output continued in September
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was as much as 14.2 per cent higher in September 2000 than in September 1999. In the January to September period, industrial output grew by almost 10 per cent compared to the same period last year. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 30 October.
31 October, 2000
Growth of output accelerated in August
The volume of total output was 6.6 per cent greater in August 2000 than in August 1999. In July, output grew by 4.2 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 August.
24 October, 2000
Employment and unemployment in September 2000
- 38,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 66.7 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.1 per cent, 234,000 unemployed
- 20,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
23 October 2000
The Centre Party successful in the Municipal elections in unemployment and service industry areas
Compared to the previous Municipal elections, the Centre Party, the winner of the elections was most successful in areas where unemployment is highest, while the National Coalition Party lost most in those areas. The Social Democratic Party lost most in areas of low unemployment, while the Coalition Party and the Green League, in particular, increased their support in low unemployment areas.
18 October 2000
Producer prices continued to rise in September
According to Statistics Finland, producer prices went up by 1.1 to 2.8 per cent from August to September. Import prices rose most, by 2.8 per cent. This was mainly attributable to higher prices of energy minerals, metal ores, coke and oil products, vehicles, and base metals. In the year to September, import prices have increased by 15.1 per cent.
16 October, 2000
Inflation accelerated to 4.2 per cent in September
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 4.2 per cent in September. The rate of inflation was 3.8 per cent in August. This acceleration was due to higher prices of light fuel oil and petrol.
13 October 2000
Industrial output grew by 13.7 per cent from the previous year in August
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day grew by 13.7 per cent in the year to August. In the January to August period, output increased by 9.4 per cent from the year before.
2 October, 2000
Consumers less confident about the economy
The consumer confidence indicator expressing consumers' views on the economy fell to 9.1 in September, i.e. lowest since spring 1996. In particular, confidence in the positive development of Finland's economy was clearly weaker in September. For the first time in five years, the majority of consumers considered the time unfavourable for raising a loan. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,674 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 4 and 20 September.
29 September, 2000
Strong growth of industrial output continued in August
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was as much as 13.5 per cent higher in August 2000 than in August 1999. In the January to August period, industrial output grew by 9.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 28 September.
29 September 2000
Output grew by 4.2 per cent in July
The volume of total output was 4.2 per cent greater in July 2000 than in July 1999. In June, output grew by 5.1 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 July, except for forestry and agriculture.
26 September, 2000
GDP up by 4.5 per cent in the second quarter
In the second quarter of 2000, Finland's gross domestic product grew by 4.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. Of the growth, 2.6 percentage points came from the metal industry. According to revised data, gross domestic product grew by 5.5 per cent in the first quarter compared to the same quarter of 1999. This is indicated by the preliminary data on National Accounts compiled by Statistics Finland.
19 September, 2000
Employment and unemployment in August 2000
- 66,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 69.5 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 8.3 per cent, 219,000 unemployed
- 27,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 September, 2000
Import prices rose by 1.6 per cent in August
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 1.6 per cent from July to August. The rise was mainly attributable to higher prices of energy minerals, oil products and transport equipment. In the year to August, import prices went up by 13.6 per cent.
15 September, 2000
Industrial output grew by 10.9 per cent from the previous year in July
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 10.9 per cent in the year to July. In the January to July period, output increased by 8.8 per cent from the year before. Even the main holiday month failed to slow down the strong growth of industrial output.
15 September 2000
Inflation 3.8 per cent in August
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.8 per cent in August. The rate of inflation quickened slightly, for in July it was 3.7 per cent.
1 September 2000
Time less favourable for buying consumer durables
Finnish consumers' confidence in the positive development of both their own and Finland's economy is unchanged, but the time is not considered as favourable for purchasing major durables as before. For that reason, the consumer confidence indicator was in August a few points lower than in July or a year ago, i.e. at 11.7. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,607 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 7 and 24 August.
31 August 2000
Output growth continued brisk in June
The volume of total output was 5.0 per cent greater in June 2000 than in June 1999. In May, output grew by 8.1 per cent from the previous year. In the first half of the year, the volume of total output was 4.9 per cent higher than in the January to June period in 1999. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that output went up in all main industries of the national economy.
31 August 2000
Strong growth of industrial output continued through July
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 10.1 per cent higher in July 2000 than in July 1999. In the January to July period, industrial output went up by 8.3 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 30 August.
22 August, 2000
Employment and unemployment in July 2000
- 42,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 70.8 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 7.8 per cent,
210,000 unemployed
- 18,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 August, 2000
Producer prices for manufactured goods continued to rise in July
According to Statistics Finland, producer prices for manufactured goods, or producer prices for goods intended for the domestic market, went up by 0.5 per cent from June to July. This was chiefly due to higher prices of base metals, pulp and paper products. Producer prices rose by 7.5 per cent from July 1999, which was mainly attributable to higher prices of raw materials, producer goods and energy products. Price trends of investment goods, consumers durables and other consumer goods were more moderate.
15 August 2000
Industrial output grew by 11 per cent from the previous year in June
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day grew by 11.0 per cent in the year to June. In the January to June period, output increased by 8.4 per cent from the year before.
15 August, 2000
Inflation 3.7 per cent in July
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.7 per cent in July. The rate of inflation quickened slightly, for in June it was 3.5 per cent. This acceleration was particularly due to higher interest rates.
2 August, 2000
Finnish consumers continue to believe in positive development of the economy. In July, the consumer confidence indicator was 14.5, or slightly higher than in June but lower than a year ago. The differences were almost entirely due to consumers' changing views about the time being favourable for buying major durables. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,622 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 3 and 19 July.
31 July 2000
Strong growth of industrial output continued in June
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 11.6 per cent higher in June 2000 than in June 1999. In the January to June period, industrial output grew by 8.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 28 July.
28 July, 2000
Growth of output quickened in May
The volume of total output was 7.9 per cent greater in May 2000 than in May 1999. In April, output grew by 2.1 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.
25 July, 2000
Employment and unemployment in June 2000
- 11,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 70.0 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 10.3 per cent, 279,000 unemployed
- 26,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
14 July, 2000
Inflation accelerated to 3.5 per cent in June
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.5 per cent in June. Inflation quickened, for in May the rate was 2.9 per cent. The quickening was especially caused by increases in the price of petrol. The rate of inflation was last this high towards the end of 1991.
14 July, 2000
Industrial output grew by as much as 12.4 per cent from previous year in May
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 12.4 per cent in the year to May. Driven by exports, growth in Finnish industrial output continued strong.
3 July, 2000
Finnish consumers view time less favourable for making purchases and raising loans
Finnish consumers continue to believe in positive development of the economy. However, the consumer confidence indicator was lower in June than in the early part of the year or a year ago, and stood at 13.1. The indicator was brought down by consumers' weakened views of the time being favourable for making major purchases. Consumers also thought raising a loan had become distinctly less worthwhile than before. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,651 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 5 and 21 June.
30 June 2000
Industrial output running strong
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was as much as 12.1 per cent higher in May 2000 than in May 1999. In the January to May period, industrial output went up by 7.6 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 29 June.
30 June, 2000
Growth of output slowed down in April
The volume of total output was 2.2 per cent greater in April 2000 than in April 1999. In March, output grew by 4.2 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 with the exception of agriculture and forestry, and transport.
27 June, 2000
Fast growth of GDP for the start of the millennium
In the first quarter of 2000, the volume of Finland's gross domestic product went up by 5.2 per cent compared to the same period the year before. This is indicated by the preliminary data on National Accounts compiled by Statistics Finland.
20 June, 2000
Employment and unemployment in May 2000
- 71,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 68.1 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.9 per cent, 322,000 unemployed
- 37,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
19 June, 2000
Import prices rose at accelerated speed
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 2.6 per cent from April to May. This was due to higher world market prices of energy minerals, especially crude oil. In the year to May, import prices went up by 14.7 per cent.
15 June, 2000
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.9 per cent in May. Inflation quickened, for in April the rate was 2.7 per cent. The quickening was especially caused by increases in the prices of petrol and light fuel oil.
15 June, 2000
Industrial output grew by 4.7 per cent from previous year in April
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 4.7 per cent in the year to April. A strike in the paper industry in April slowed down the growth of industrial output.
5 June, 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy unchanged
In May, 35 per cent of Finnish consumers expected that the country's economic situation would improve further in the next 12 months. Twenty-nine per cent of consumers were confident that their own economy would improve. Salaried employees had the most confidence in the economy, pensioners the least. In May, the consumer confidence indicator was 14.0, or almost the same as in April or a year ago. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,619 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 2 and 18 May.
30 May, 2000
Mobile phones and computer becoming part of Finnish everyday life
The number of new Finnish households with a mobile phone increased by over 800,000 between 1996 and 1999. Seventy-eight per cent of the 2.35 million Finnish households had at least one mobile phone in autumn 1999. As many as 23 per cent of households no longer had a wired telephone at all. Their number went up by 200,000. According to a Statistics Finland survey, nearly all Finns aged between 15 and 39 used the mobile phone, whereas only some 40 per cent of the men and 20 per cent of the women aged over 60 had a mobile phone of their own.
31 May 2000
Industrial output grew by 4.9 per cent from last year's April
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 4.9 per cent higher in April 2000 than in April 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 30 May.
31 May, 2000
Output growth continued in March
The volume of total output was 3.8 per cent greater in March 2000 than in March 1999. In February, output grew by 5.2 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, except in agriculture and forestry, and trade.
26 May, 2000
Survey of Finns' views on EU:
EU membership advantage to enterprises, disadvantage to
farmers
Finns view Finland's EU membership as an advantage to enterprises and wage and salary earners but as a disadvantage to farmers. Finnish citizens think Finland's membership in the EU has increased their knowledge about the rest of the EU and made travelling and job hunting in the other Member States easier. On the other hand, they believe that it has increased bureaucracy and that regional differences will grow in the next few years.
23 May, 2000
Employment and unemployment in April 2000
- 23,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 65.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.0 per cent, 283,000 unemployed
- 26,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 May, 2000
Lower price of crude oil reduced import prices in April, export prices continue to rise
According to Statistics Finland, import prices fell by 0.7 per cent from March to April. One month ago they were still up by nearly one percentage point. The fall in prices was primarily due to the lower world market prices of crude oil. According to the import price index, the price of oil fell by almost 13 per cent from March to April. However, import prices for April 2000 were still 12.2 per cent higher compared to April 1999.
15 May, 2000
Industrial output grew by 9.1 per cent from previous year in March
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 9.1 per cent in the year to March. The growth of output continued strong despite a strike in the chemical industry.
15 May 2000
Inflation 2.7 per cent in April
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in
consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was
2.7 per cent in April. The rate of inflation slowed down, for in
March it was 3.1 per cent. Inflation was sustained especially by
higher housing costs in April. The effect of higher petrol and
light fuel oil prices on inflation was still considerable, although
their prices started to go down in April.
2 May, 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy still strong
In April, the consumer confidence indicator was 13.5, or higher than a year ago. Consumers' confidence in the economy has, however, fallen gradually since this year's January. Consumers' views on the time being favourable for purchasing consumer durables and on Finland's future economic situation have especially deteriorated in the first part of the year. Nevertheless, consumers thought saving was still more worthwhile in April. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,608 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 3 and 19 April.
28 April 2000
Industrial output grew by 9.1 per cent from last year's March
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 9.1 per cent higher in March 2000 than in March 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 27 April.
28 April, 2000
Output growth continued brisk in February
The volume of total output was 5.3 per cent greater in February 2000 than in February 1999. In January, output grew by 4.6 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.
26 April, 2000
Employment and unemployment in March 2000
- 24,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 64.4 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.2 per cent, 282,000 unemployed
- 34,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 April, 2000
Annual increase in import prices still in excess of 14 per cent
Import prices went up by 14.6 per cent in the year to March 2000, Statistics Finland reports. This was due primarily to rising world-market prices of crude oil. From February to March, the increase in import prices slowed down to 0.8 per cent, which was due to the price of crude oil taking a downward turn. The sharpest increases were recorded for metal, alloy and sawngoods prices.
14 April, 2000
Industrial output grew by 6.2 per cent in February
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 6.2 per cent in the year to February 2000.
14 April, 2000
Inflation accelerated further in March
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 3.1 per cent in March. The rate of inflation quickened, for in February it was 2.7 per cent. Inflation continued to be upheld especially by increases in the prices of petrol and light fuel oil and by higher dwelling prices and rents.
3 April, 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy slightly weaker in March
In March, the consumer confidence indicator was 14.7, or about three points lower than in February. Consumers' views on the time being favourable for purchasing consumer durables have deteriorated, in particular. However, consumers' confidence in the economy is still strong, stronger than in March last year, for instance. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,577 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 6 and 23 March.
31 March 2000
Industrial output grew by 6 per cent in February
According to Statistics Finland, industrial output as calculated per working day was 6 per cent higher in February 2000 than in February 1999. These instant preliminary data are based on information available to Statistics Finland on 30 March.
31 March, 2000
Output grew by 4.6 per cent in January
The volume of total output was 4.6 per cent greater in January 2000 than in January 1999. In December 1999, output grew by 7.1 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.
28.3.2000
GDP grew by 3.5 per cent at the end of last year
In the last quarter of 1999, Finland's gross domestic product went up by 3.5 per cent compared to the same period the year before. The growth slowed down in the third quarter but accelerated again towards the end of the year. In the first and second quarters the growth was just under four per cent and in the third quarter three per cent. This is indicated by the preliminary data on National Accounts compiled by Statistics Finland.
22 March, 2000
Employment and unemployment in February 2000
- 21,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 64.2 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 11.3 per cent, 284,000 unemployed
- 26,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
17 March, 2000
Import prices risen by over 14 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 14.6 per cent in the year to February 2000. This continued to be due to rises in the world market price of crude oil, but there were also increases in the prices of oil products, basic industrial chemicals and colour metals. From January to February import prices rose by 2.0 per cent.
15 March, 2000
Industrial output grew by 6.5 per cent in January
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 6.5 per cent in the year to January 2000. The rate of growth has returned to normal from the record 16 per cent it was in December 1999. Output in the wood and paper industry grew by just under 10 per cent in January whereas in December it went up by nearly 22 per cent.
15 March 2000
Inflation up to 2.7 per cent in February
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.7 per cent in February. The rate of inflation accelerated, for in January it was 2.2 per cent. Inflation continued to be sustained especially by increases in the prices of petrol and light fuel oil and by higher dwelling prices. Inflation was last on this level in March 1993.
9 March 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy still strong
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy continues strong. In February, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 17.6, or almost the same as in January. Consumers' views on both their own and the country's economy have improved further. In contrast, purchasing consumer durables was not considered as worthwhile in February as in January. Saving by investing in securities has grown rapidly in popularity in the early part of the year. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,547 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 7 and 24 February.
29 February 2000
Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices of the European Union revised
The coverage of the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices of the European Union was extended in January 2000. For Finland the Harmonised Index now covers around 85 per cent of the consumption of the national Consumer Price Index.
29 February 2000
Gross domestic product grew by 3.5 per cent in 1999
According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, Finnish GDP grew by 3.5 per cent in volume in 1999. Total output has now been growing continuously since 1994. Finland's gross domestic product, i.e. the total value added of the goods and services produced, was FIM 718 billion last year.
29 February 2000
Output grew by 6.6 per cent in December
The volume of total output was 6.6 per cent greater in December 1999 than in December 1998. The growth quickened from November when it was 3.4 per cent. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that, except for agriculture and forestry, output went up in all main industries of the national economy.
29 February, 2000
New instant preliminary data on change in industrial output
Statistics Finland will start to publish the change percentage of total industrial output in the form of instant preliminary data. The information will become public on the last weekday of the month and relate to industrial output in the previous month. Preliminary data on the change in industrial output by industry will be issued six weeks from the end of the statistical month, as before.
23 February 2000
Employment and unemployment in January 2000
- 42,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 64.2 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 10.6 per cent, 264,000 unemployed
- 24,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 February, 2000
Import prices risen by over 12 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 12.6 per cent in the year to January 2000. This was particularly due to increases in the world market price of crude oil, but also to higher prices of oil products and colour metals. From December 1999 to January 2000 import prices rose by 0.8 per cent.
15 February, 2000
Industrial output grew by record 16 per cent in December
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 16 per cent in the year to December 1999. The record growth is partly explained by a close on 22 per cent increase in output in the wood and paper industry. The electronics industry also returned to a good 40 per cent growth after a couple of months of modest performance. The high growth percentage is further influenced by the fact that in the comparison period, i.e. December 1998, industrial output showed no growth on the previous year.
15 February, 2000
Inflation 2.2 per cent in January
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.2 per cent in January. The rate of inflation accelerated slightly, for in December it was 2.0 per cent. Inflation was especially sustained by increases in the prices of petrol and light fuel oil and by higher dwelling prices.
9 February 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy stronger in January
In January, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 18.3, which is higher than in November-December. Consumers' views on both their own and the country's economy have improved. In addition, purchasing consumer durables was thought more worthwhile in January. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,526 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 10 and 26 January.
7 February, 2000
Comparison to the first round of the Presidential election: Coalition Party voters decisive
Tarja Halonen, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, was successful enough in areas of strong support for the Coalition Party to win the second round of the Presidential election. The Centre Party candidate Esko Aho got only a few percentage points more votes than Halonen in those areas, when the votes cast for the candidates are compared to the first round of the Presidential election.
28 January 2000
Output grew by 3.1 per cent in November
The volume of total output was 3.1 per cent greater in November 1999 than in November 1998. The rate of output growth was about the same as the average for the January to November period. The Monthly Indicator of Total Output of Statistics Finland indicates that output went up in all main industries of the national economy.
20 January 2000
Employment and unemployment in December 1999
- 65,000 more employed than a year ago
- Employment rate 65.6 per cent
- Rate of unemployment 9.1 per cent, 229,000 unemployed
- 13,000 new vacancies at labour exchange offices
18 January, 2000
Import prices up by good 11 per cent in the year
According to Statistics Finland, import prices rose by 11.4 per cent in the year to December 1999. This was particularly due to increases in the world market price of crude oil, but also to higher prices of oil products and colour metals. Measured as the annual average, import prices rose by 0.6 per cent from 1998 to 1999, whereas a year earlier they still went down by 3.5 per cent.
17 January, 2000
Tarja Halonen, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party, who got the highest number of votes in the first round of the Finnish Presidential election was most successful in towns and in strong areas of the Left Alliance, when the number of votes cast for her are compared to those cast for the Social Democratic Party in last year's Parliamentary elections. Her victory seems to vary more by population group than that of Esko Aho, the Centre Party candidate, who received the second highest number of votes.
14 January, 2000
Inflation accelerated to 2.0 per cent in December
According to Statistics Finland, the year-on-year change in consumer prices, i.e. inflation, was 2.0 per cent in December. The rate of inflation quickened, for in November it was 1.6 per cent. Especially increases in the prices of petrol and light fuel oil speeded up inflation. The average rate of inflation in 1999 was 1.2 per cent.
14 January, 2000
Industrial output up by 3.4 per cent in November
According to Statistics Finland, Finnish industrial output as calculated per working day went up by 3.4 per cent in the year to November. In October, the corresponding figure stood at 2.3 per cent. Output in the wood and paper industry went up by nearly 13 per cent, while in October it grew by 9 per cent. In the chemical industry, output rose by good 8 per cent in November. In contrast, output in the electronics industry fell by good 3 per cent.
11 January, 2000
Finnish consumers' confidence in the economy still strong
In December, the consumer confidence indicator stood at 14.2, which is slightly higher than a year earlier. The indicator was brought up last year by consumers' improved views of the future of Finnish economy. In spite of this, purchasing consumer durables was not thought as worthwhile as before towards the end of the year. The data are based on Statistics Finland's Consumer Survey, for which 1,685 persons resident in Finland were interviewed between 13 and 20 December.