Short-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Consumption and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Singapore

Arbeitspapier

We examine the short-term impact of COVID-19 on consumption spending and labor market outcomes. Using monthly panel data of individuals mainly aged 50–70 in Singapore, we find that COVID-19 reduced consumption spending and labor market outcomes immediately after its outbreak, and its negative impact quickly evolved. At its peak, the pandemic reduced total household consumption spending by 22.8% and labor income by 5.9% in April. Probability of full-time work also went down by 1.2 pp and 6.0 pp in April and May, respectively, but employment and self-employment were only mildly affected. Our heterogeneity analysis indicates that the reduction in consumption spending was greater among those with higher net worth, while the decreases in labor market outcomes were greater among those with lower net worth. However, we find little evidence that those in worse health status experienced larger reductions in consumption spending and labor market outcomes. Reductions in consumption spending correlated with increased risk avoidance behavior, the nationwide partial lockdown, worsening economic outlook, and reduced income.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IZA Discussion Papers ; No. 13354

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Health Behavior ; Labor Economics: General
• Subject: COVID-19 ; pandemic ; consumption spending ; labor market ; monthly panel data

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Kim, Seonghoon ; Koh, Kanghyock ; Zhang, Xuan
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)
• (where): Bonn
• (when): 2020

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/223796
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:41 AM CET