Investments further up, mainly in residential property

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) announced that the volume of investments in tangible fixed assets grew by 12.1 percent in September 2015 relative to September 2014. The increase is again mainly due to considerably higher investments in residential property. According to the Statistics Netherlands’ Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands in November is somewhat less favourable than in September and October, mainly due to a lower growth of exports.

Investment figures are not adjusted for calendar effects. September 2015 had the same number of working days as September 2014.

Higher investments in residential property and cars

Just as in previous months, investments in residential property grew most noticeably. Investments in passenger cars also grew significantly compared to the previous year. This could be because of changing tax laws: as of 1 January 2016, conditions for the additional tax liability for company cars will again become stricter. In view of these tax measures, many companies may have decided to buy new cars prior to 1 January. Investments in machinery increased significantly as well in September.

Investment climate in November somewhat less favourable

According to the Statistics Netherlands’ Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands in November is somewhat less favourable than in September and October, mainly due to a lower growth of exports. By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether the investment climate has become more or less favourable.

In October, the overall investment climate was still as favourable as in September. In November however, conditions became somewhat less favourable; the growth of exports was lower than in the previous month. Furthermore, the mood among Dutch manufacturers about their order positions was less positive. However, Dutch year-on-year share prices rose more rapidly than in the previous month and consumer confidence improved marginally.