Ostoskyky

Ostoskyky refers to the ability of individuals or households to purchase goods and services. In economic terms it reflects real purchasing power, which is the amount households can buy after taxes and transfers, adjusted for the prices of goods and services. It captures how far income goes in meeting everyday expenses and consumption needs.

Several factors determine ostoskyky. Real disposable income—the income households have after taxes and transfers, adjusted for inflation—plays a central role. Prices and inflation can erode purchasing power if wages do not keep pace. Also important are access to credit, debt levels, and the overall wealth held by households. Policy choices, such as taxation and social transfers, as well as unemployment and wage growth, directly influence ostoskyky.

Measuring ostoskyky often relies on proxies such as real disposable income per capita, real wages, or consumer expenditure relative to income. In macroeconomic analysis it is linked to consumer demand and household welfare, influencing saving behavior and living standards. Because it depends on prices and incomes, ostoskyky can vary over time and across regions or demographic groups.

In policy discussions, ostoskyky is used to assess affordability and consumer resilience, especially during periods of high inflation, economic downturns, or shifting interest rates. Its trends help explain changes in consumption patterns, debt risk, and overall economic growth.