Investments down in December

Investment data have not been adjusted for calendar effects. December 2016 has one working day less than December 2015. According to the CBS Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands is more favourable in February than in December.

Less investments in passenger cars

Investments in passenger cars declined noticeably in December following significant growth one year previously. As additional tax rates and the tax on new passenger cars and motorcycles (BPM) were raised on 1 January 2016, many companies decided to buy new cars prior to 1 January. The figures presented do not provide unambiguous information on the extent to which changing tax laws gave rise to the increase in car sales in December 2015. Investments in aircraft also declined in December 2016.

Continuing the trend over the preceding months, investments in residential property were up year-on-year. Investments in infrastructure, delivery vans, trucks and machinery grew as well.

Investment climate more favourable in February

According to the CBS Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands is more favourable in February than in December. This is mainly because the development of Dutch share prices is more favourable on an annual basis and the mood among Dutch manufacturers about their order positions has improved. On the other hand, the capacity utilisation rate in the manufacturing industry deteriorated.

The investment climate is affected by various factors including the situation on the global and financial markets.

The numbers in this publication are provisional and can be adjusted.