743 businesses and institutions bankrupt in October

In October this year, 743 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt, i.e. 147 more than in September when the number of bankruptcies reached the lowest level so far in 2013. Most businesses and institutions declared bankrupt in October were active in the sectors trade (173), construction (97) and specialist business services (86). The increase in the number of bankruptcies is due to the extra day courts were in session in October.

As the number of businesses declared bankrupt in a particular month is closely related to the number of days courts are in session, it may vary considerably from one month to the next. Therefore, the three-month moving average is a more reliable indicator. In October, the three-month moving average was 649. For the third time in a row, the average was below the level of the preceding month.

The bankruptcy rate over the first ten months of 2013 was high; 7,097 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt, a 14 percent growth relative to the same period last year.

Bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses)

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.