In the fourth quarter of 2006, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 13.7% in the euro area (EA13). It was 13.7% as well in the third quarter of 2006, which was the lowest level recorded since the third quarter of 2000. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 11.0% in the fourth quarter of 2006, compared with 11.1% in the third quarter. The pattern was similar to the euro area, although the rates were lower over the whole period.
Business profit shares up in both zones
For non-financial corporations, the investment rate was, in the fourth quarter of 2006, 22.0% in the euro area and 21.5% in the EU27. In the third quarter of 2006, investment rates were 21.9% and 21.4% respectively. In the euro area, the investment rate reached a peak in 2000, decreased until the third quarter of 2002, then showed a generally upward trend since the fourth quarter of 2003. The peak in 2000 was less prominent in the EU27 and investment rates have been slightly lower than in the euro area, in particular since 2003.
The profit share of non-financial corporations was 39.6% in the euro area and 37.8% in the EU27 in the fourth quarter of 2006. In the third quarter of 2006, the share was 38.4% in the euro area and 36.9% in the EU27. In both zones, the profit shares have increased slowly since 2003 and more rapidly in the last two quarters of 2006.
