China's official statistics show private consumption growing less quickly than the economy as a whole from 2001 to 2010.

ECONOMIST: At least one of China��s economic imbalances is narrowing

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that consumption had fallen from 4.62 litres to 4.56 litres of pure alcohol per capita per year, the lowest result since 1947-48, the year of Don Bradman's last test.

BBC: The amber nectar

According to the Central Statistics Bureau, private consumption accounts for close to three-quarters of GDP, up from two-thirds in 1997.

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The new statistics show much higher consumption.

ECONOMIST: The sorry state of saving

Although demand-side figures (measuring consumption) show flat spending, supply-side statistics (measuring production) point to healthy growth.

ECONOMIST: Japan��s economy

After a weak ADP private sector reading and indications the slowing manufacturing and consumption, along with the sequester, could weigh on the economy, the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed nonfarm payrolls rose by 165, 000 in April, while the February and March numbers were upwardly revised by 114, 000, as my colleague Abram Brown reported.

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