Number of bankruptcies down in November

In November this year, 576 businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses) were declared bankrupt, the lowest level so far in 2013. The reduction by 168 relative to October was mainly due to the number of day courts were in session. October had an extra session day. Most businesses and institutions declared bankrupt in November 2013 were active in the sector trade (158).

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. Therefore, the three-month moving average is a more reliable indicator. In November, the three-month moving average was 639. For the fourth time in a row, the average was below the level of the preceding month.

The bankruptcy rate over the first eleven months of 2013 was high; 7,674 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt. The number of bankruptcies over the first eleven months is already higher than the total over the entire year 2012, when 7,373 businesses and institutions were declared bankrupt.

Bankruptcies of businesses and institutions (excluding one-man businesses)

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.