Economic situation virtually unchanged

The economic situation at the end of April was about the same as at the end of March. Improvements and downswings more or less balanced each other out. The heart of the scatter in the Business Cycle Tracer is located in the recession stage. Fourteen of the fifteen indicators are currently below the level of their long-term average.

The Dutch economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2011. The volume of the gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.6 percent relative to one year previously. In the third quarter, the economy still grew by 1.1 percent. Taking calendar and seasonal effects into account, the economy also contracted by 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter compared to the preceding quarter. Quarter-on-quarter economic growth was negative for the second consecutive quarter.

Consumer confidence increased in April. The mood among manufacturers  deteriorated, on the other hand.

In February 2012, manufacturing output was 3 percent down on February 2011. Household consumption declined 1.3 percent from February 2011. The volume of private sector investments in tangible fixed assets increased by more than 2 percent. The volume of goods exports increased by more than 3 percent relative to twelve months previously.

The capital market interest rate was 2.3 percent in March. The inflation rate stood at 2.5 percent. Prices of existing owner-occupied dwellings sold in March 2012 were on average 4.7 percent down on March 2011. Selling prices in the manufacturing industry were 3.8 percent up on March 2011.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment increased by 2 thousand in March. The number of job vacancies dropped further in the fourth quarter, but the number of jobs grew marginally. More hours were worked in temp jobs in the fourth quarter relative to the third quarter.

Gross domestic product (GDP)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.