Gross fixed capital formation; monthly data

What does the indicator comprise?

Purpose

The purpose is to give quick information about developments in the volume of gross fixed capital formation in tangible assets in the Netherlands. Fixed capital formation is an important economic indicator.

Statistical unit

The volume of fixed capital formation in tangible assets by enterprises, households, non-profit institutions and the public sector. Date first publication
23 juli 2014. This survey replaces the survey of the volume of gross fixed capital formation in tangible assets by Dutch enterprises.

Frequency

Monthly.

Publication strategy

Figures are published six to seven weeks after the month under review. The figures are year-on-year changes in the volume of gross fixed capital formation in tangible assets. From October 22nd 2018 on volume index figures are published as well. All figures are available in StatLine, the electronic database of Statistics Netherlands. Furthermore, Statistics Netherlands publishes about investments in the Economic monitor.
The monthly data are adjusted to the Quarterly Accounts. Accordingly, monthly data on investments are provisional until the corresponding figures on a quarterly basis are definite.

How are the figures computed

Type of research

The year-on-year changes are computed from various sources, such as:
- Gross fixed capital formation in tangible assets according to the quarterly national accounts;
- Monthly figures about production in construction;
- Monthly figures on the production of electrical equipment and machinery;
- Monthly figures on sales of cars and transport equipment;- Monthly figures on imports of machines and transport equipment.

Survey methods

Not applicable. Only indirect sources are used to compile data.

Respondents

Not applicable.

Sample size

Not applicable.

Checking and correction methods

Figures are adjusted to the quarterly national accounts. Following every quarter, Statistics Netherlands reviews whether the first published figures of the monthly indicator tally with the results in the quarterly national accounts. Evidently, the various sources used have their own plausibility checks.

Weighting

Not applicable.

Quality of the results

Accuracy

This indicator provides quick information about the development of fixed capital formation. The first results usually correspond very well with the quarterly national accounts. However, in the first months after the first publication figures can be adjusted to new information that comes available. After a few months, these adjustments become less substantial.

Sequential comparability

Data are comparable in time.

Quality strategy

Following every quarter, Statistics Netherlands reviews whether the first published figures of the monthly indicator correspond to the results in the quarterly national accounts.
If this is not the case, action will be taken and, if necessary, methods will be adjusted.