Modest growth private sector investments

In December 2011, the volume of private sector investments in tangible fixed assets was nearly 3 percent up on December 2010. The increase was somewhat more substantial than in November, when private sector investments were over 2 percent up on one year previously.

The slightly larger growth in December can be attributed entirely to higher investments in the construction sector. This is partly due to the working-day pattern. The number of working days in manufacturing industry was down on one year previously, but the number of working days in the construction sector was higher, because the Christmas holiday for construction workers started later. Weather conditions also played an important part. The production process in the construction sector was obstructed as working days were lost due to the severe weather conditions in December 2010. In December 2011, weather conditions were more favourable.

Private sector investments continue to be at a very low level. In December 2011, investments were still nearly 13 percent below the pre-crisis level.

According to February’s Investment Radar, the investment climate has improved marginally.

Private sector investments in tangible fixed assets (volume)

More figures can be found on the theme page Enterprises.