In the second quarter of 2008, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 13.9% in the euro area (EA15).

Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, and the European Central Bank (ECB) release a detailed set of quarterly European sector accounts. This Eurostat News Release focuses on three key indicators: the household saving rate, and the investment rate and profit share of non-financial businesses.

Household saving rates up in both zones

In the second quarter of 2008, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 13.9% in the euro area (EA15). It was 13.7% in the first quarter of 2008. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 10.2% in the second quarter of 2008, compared with 10.0% in the first quarter of 2008.

Business investment rate stable in the euro area, up in the EU27

The investment rate of non-financial corporations was 23.3% in the euro area in the second quarter of 2008. It was also 23.3% in the first quarter of 2008. In the EU27, the investment rate was 23.9% in the second quarter of 2008, compared with 23.6% in the first quarter of 2008.

In the second quarter of 2008, the profit share of non-financial corporations was 38.6% in the euro area. It was 38.8% in the first quarter of 2008. In the EU27, the profit share was 38.4% in the second quarter of 2008 compared with 38.2% in the first quarter of 2008.