Dutch economy continues steady growth

In the second quarter of this year the Dutch economy grew by 0.6 percent compared to the previous quarter, continuing its steady growth for nine quarters in a row, Statistics Netherlands announced on Friday in its first calculations. Compared to the second quarter of 2015, the Dutch economy grew by 2.3 percent. The second quarter of this year had two working days more than in 2015 - adjusted for that, the growth amounted to 1.8 percent. According to Statistics Netherlands, the growth can mainly be attributed to increasing investments, exports and consumption. Consumer confidence was positive in the second quarter, like its been almost continuously since February 2015. Consumers spent more on services, clothes and electrical appliances. Producers confidence was also positive, leading to more investments particularly in transportation Exports increased in the second quarter, though the increase was smaller than in the first quarter. The export of Dutch products increased more than in the first quarter. Job opportunities also continue to increase. The number of jobs - including both employees and self-employed - rose by 38 thousand compared to the previous quarter.