Sustained substantial decline private sector investments

The volume of private sector investments in tangible fixed assets was nearly 15 percent down in February 2013 from February 2012. The decline is somewhat more substantial than in January, when private sector investments were 14 percent down from one year previously.

The larger decline in February relative to January is partly due to differences in the working-day pattern. February 2013 had one working day less than February 2012, whereas in January 2013, the number of working days was the same as in January 2012.

Investments in construction projects and means of transport declined considerably in January and February. The decline in investments in means of transport is partly caused by a change in tax legislation. On 1 January, the limits for CO2 emission, which apply to the tax on passenger cars and motorcycles (bpm) and the additional tax liability for company cars became stricter. Many companies anticipated the change and decided to purchase a car prior to 1 January.

By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch private sector investments have become more or less favourable and which factors played a crucial part in these developments. According to April’s Investment Radar, the investment climate has hardly changed.

Private sector investments in tangible fixed assets (volume)

More figures can be found on the theme page Enterprises.

For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.