investment up, particularly in property, infrastructure and machines
Statistics Netherlands announced today that the volume of investment in tangible fixed assets was 14.3 percent higher in March 2015 than in March 2014. The increase was mainly caused by higher investment in residential property, infrastructure and lorries. In January and February, investment increased by 6.7 and 5.0 percent respectively.
Investment figures are not adjusted for differences in working-day pattern. March 2015 had one working day more than March 2014.
Investment in property higher again
Just as in previous months, companies invested in residential property in particular in March, although they also invested in infrastructure.
In addition, there was a considerable rise in investment in machines and installations. Manufacturers are positive about their future output. Capacity utilisation in manufacturing was at its highest level since the start of the 2008 crisis (81.8 percent). Companies also invested considerably more in transport equipment, such as lorries, continuing the trend of recent months.
Investment climate deteriorated since March
According to the Investment Radar, the Dutch investment climate in April and May was less favourable than in March, although the situation was better in May than in April. Capacity utilisation increased. The mood among Dutch consumers also improved slightly. However, exports grew by considerably less than last month. The year-on-year rise in Dutch share prices was smaller than in the previous month. By means of six indicators, the Investment Radar shows whether the investment climate has become more or less favourable.
Source, StatLine:
For more information on economic indicators, see the Economic Monitor.