Survey: Over half of Czechs cutting spending

More than half of Czechs say they have reduced their spending over the past year, most often by limiting visits to restaurants and cutting back on alcohol, according to a survey by the STEM/MARK agency cited by the Czech Press Agency. The poll found that 30 percent of respondents said their financial situation had worsened, while about half reported no change. People also said they were saving money by reducing spending on entertainment, clothing, food and holidays. Women were more likely than men to report cutting expenses. Analysts say the results reflect cautious consumer behaviour, even though average wages in Czechia have continued to rise in the past year.