In the first quarter of 2007, the seasonally adjusted gross saving rate of households was 14.4% in the euro area (EA13). This is the second consecutive rise in the rate, which was 14.1% in the fourth quarter of 2006 and 13.8% in the third quarter. In the EU27, the household saving rate was 10.9% in the first quarter of 2007, compared with 11.0% in the fourth quarter of 2006, extending the downward trend that started in 2001.
Business investment rate up in both areas
For non-financial corporations, the investment rate was, in the first quarter of 2007, 22.5% in the euro area and 22.0% in the EU27. In the fourth quarter of 2006, investment rates were 22.1% and 21.5% respectively. In both areas, the investment rates have reached levels that compare with the peaks recorded in 2000.
Profit share of non-financial corporations
The profit share of non-financial corporations was 38.4% in the euro area and 36.6% in the EU27 in the first quarter of 2007, after peaks of 39.1% in the euro area and 37.7% in the EU27 in the fourth quarter of 2006.
