In the fourth quarter of 2007, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 14.3% in the euro area (EA13). It was 14.0% in the third quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 10.6% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 10.4% in the third quarter of 2007.

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. Developments in the euro area are detailed in a new annex.

Household saving rates up in both zones

In the fourth quarter of 2007, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 14.3% in the euro area (EA13). It was 14.0% in the third quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 10.6% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 10.4% in the third quarter of 2007.

Business investment rates up in both zones

The investment rate of non-financial corporations was 23.1% in the euro area in the fourth quarter of 2007. It was 22.8% in the third quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the investment rate was also 23.1% in the fourth quarter of 2007, compared with 22.8% in the third quarter of 2007. In both zones, this increase in the investment rate extended the upward trend that started in 2004.

In the fourth quarter of 2007, the profit share of non-financial corporations was 39.3% in the euro area. It was 39.5% in the third quarter of 2007. In the EU27, the profit share was 38.7% in the fourth quarter of 2007 compared with 38.8% in the third quarter of 2007.