higher investments, particularly in property and lorries
Statistics Netherlands announced today that the volume of investments in tangible fixed assets was 2.2 percent higher in February 2015 than in February 2014. The increase was mainly caused by higher investments in residential property and lorries. This is the sixth month in a row that investments were higher than one year previously. In December and January, investments increased by 1.3 and 5.0 percent respectively.
Investment figures are not adjusted for differences in the working-day pattern. February 2015 had just as many working days as February 2014.
Continued increased investment in property and lorries
Just as in previous months, investors spent more on residential property in February. In addition companies also invested more in transport equipment, e.g. lorries. In the first two months of 2014, investment in these types of transport equipment was low, coinciding with the introduction of new European emission standards in January 2014. Businesses also invested more in telecommunications and machinery than in February 2014.
Investment climate improves after February
According to the Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands improved in March and April compared to February. However, the situation was less favourable in April than in March. The growth of exports, for example, was smaller than last month. The mood among Dutch consumers also declined slightly. By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether the investment climate has become more or less favourable.
Source, StatLine:
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.