In the fourth quarter of 2012, the business investment rate was 19.7% in the euro area, compared with 20.0% in the third quarter of 2012. This fall was the result of investment decreasing (-1.7%) at a higher pace than gross value added (-0.4%). Total stocks (materials, supplies and finished goods) fell for the fifth quarter in a row. In the EU27 the investment rate was 19.6% in the fourth quarter compared with 19.7% in the previous quarter.

Business profit share down in both the EU27 and the euro area

In the EU27, the business profit share was 37.3% in the fourth quarter of 2012, compared with 37.6% in the third quarter of 2012. In the euro area the profit share was 37.7% in the fourth quarter, compared with 38.0% in the previous quarter.

The decrease of the profit share in the euro area, was the result of a fall in value added (-0.4%), while compensation of employees (wages and social contributions) plus taxes less subsidies on production rose slightly
(+0.1%).