These data come from a detailed set of seasonally adjusted quarterly European sector accounts released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, and the European Central Bank (ECB).
Business investment rate still at low levels in both zones
In the fourth quarter of 2010, the gross investment rate of non-financial corporations was 20.3% in the EU27, compared with 20.2% in the third quarter of 2010.
In the euro area, the investment rate was 20.8% in the fourth quarter of 2010, the same as in the previous quarter, as investment grew, in nominal terms, at a similar pace (+1.4%) to gross value added (+1.2%). Stocks of materials, supplies and finished goods decreased further.
Business profit share stabilising in both zones
In the EU27, the gross profit share of non-financial corporations was 37.9% in the fourth quarter of 2010, the same as in the previous quarter.
In the euro area, the profit share was 38.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with 38.1% in the third quarter of 2010. This limited increase was due to value added increasing slightly faster (+1.2%) than compensation of employees (wages and social contributions) plus taxes less subsidies on production (+1.1%).
