In the first quarter of 2008, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 13.7% in the euro area (EA15). It was 13.8% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 10.0% in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 10.7% in the fourth quarter of 2007, extending the downward trend that started in 2002.
Business investment rates have stopped rising in both zones
The investment rate of non-financial corporations was 22.9% in the euro area in the first quarter of 2008. It was 23.1% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the investment rate was 23.2% in the first quarter of 2008, compared with 23.3% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, the profit share of non-financial corporations was 39.0% in the euro area. It was also 39.0% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the profit share was 38.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with 38.4% in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Investment rate of non-financial corporations
In the first quarter of 2008, the profit share of non-financial corporations was 39.0% in the euro area. It was also 39.0% in the fourth quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the profit share was 38.2% in the first quarter of 2008 compared with 38.4% in the fourth quarter of 2007.
