More businesses and institutions bankrupt

In April this year, 700 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt,  i.e. 174 up from April 2014. The increase in the number of bankruptcies is partly due to the extra day courts were in session in April. The number of bankruptcies in April was approximately the same relative to April 2013, when 694 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt.

In most sectors, the number of bankruptcies was above the level of the preceding month. Many businesses and institutions declared bankrupt in April were active in the sectors trade (173) and construction (98).

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. In April for example, there were 5 court sessions days, versus 4 in March. Therefore, the three-month moving average is a more reliable indicator.

With 615 versus 580, the three-month moving average was also higher in April than in February.

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.