Private sector investments nearly 3 percent up

The volume of private sector investments in tangible fixed assets was 2.6 percent up in November 2013 from November 2012. For the second month in a row, private sector investments were higher than one year previously. This is mainly due to investments in cars and machinery.

Growing car sales are partly caused by changing tax laws. On 1 January 2014, the limits for CO2 emission, which apply to the tax on passenger cars and motorcycles (BPM) and the additional tax liability for company cars, will again become stricter. Therefore, many companies decided to buy new cars prior to 1 January.

November had one working day less in 2013 than in 2012. Figures on private sector investments are not adjusted for the effect of the number of working days.

By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether circumstancesfor Dutch private sector investments have improved or deteriorated. According to the Investment Radar of January 2013, the investment climate has improved marginally.

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.