Sustained substantial decline private sector investments

The volume of private sector investments in tangible fixed assets was more than 11 percent down in January 2013 from January 2012. The decline is more substantial than in December, when private sector investments were more than 9 percent down from one year previously.

Investments in construction and means of transport declined considerably in January. The decline in investments in means of transport is partly caused by a change in tax legislation. On 1 January, the limits for CO2 emission, which apply to the tax on passenger cars and motorcycles (bpm) and the additional tax liability for company cars became stricter. Many companies anticipated the change and decided to purchase a car prior to 1 January.

By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether circumstances for Dutch private sector investments have become more or less favourable and which factors played a crucial part in these developments. According to March’s Investment Radar, the investment climate hardly changed.

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.