Robust growth investments, particularly in passenger cars

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) reports that the volume of investments in tangible fixed assets grew by 19.3 percent in December 2015 on an annual basis. The increase is more substantial than in November. This is mainly due to the boost in car sales. According to Statistics Netherlands’ Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands is less positive in February than in January and December.

Investment data are not adjusted for calendar effects. December 2015 had one working day more than December 2014.

Higher investments in passenger cars

In December, investments in passenger cars grew most noticeably. 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. Motoring organisation BOVAG claims that - in the past decades - December car sales have never been as high as in December 2015. The figures do not provide unambiguous information about the extent to which changing tax laws gave rise to the increase in car sales.

Investments in residential property were also higher than one year previously again. Investments in aircraft also grew compared to December 2014.

Investment climate less favourable in February

According to the Statistics Netherlands’ Investment Radar, the investment climate in the Netherlands in February is less favourable than in December. Factors relevant to a favourable investment climate are the situation on the sales markets and financial markets. Year-on-year growth of Dutch share prices slowed down and the growth of exports was also less substantial on an annual basis.