Private sector investment up

The volume of private sector investment in tangible fixed assets was 6.7 percent up in January 2014 from January 2013. This is mainly due to higher investment in machinery and residential and non-residential property. For the fourth month in a row, private sector investment as higher than one year previously.

The increase in the volume of private sector investment was smaller than in the previous month. This was caused by a decrease in car sales. In December 2013 car sales shot up, partly in anticipation of changing tax laws. In view of these tax measures, many companies decided to purchase new cars before 1 January. However, investment  in machinery and in residential and non-residential property was substantially up in January 2014 from January 2013.

January 2014 had the same number of working days as in 2013. Figures have not been adjusted for the effects of the number of working days.

On the basis of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch private sector investment have improved or deteriorated. According to the Investment Radar for March 2014, the investment climate in the Netherlands has improved marginally.

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.