Business Investment Down In Euro And EU27 Areas

The gross investment rate of non-financial corporations in the EU27 zone was 20.3% in Q4 2009 from 20.6% in Q3 according to Eurostat. In the eurozone the rate was 20.4% in Q4 from 20.7% in the previous quarter. The gross investment rate of non-financial corporations in the eurozone fell as gross fixed capital formation fell 0.9% and value added grew 0.6%. Eurozone stocks of materials, supplies and finished goods continued to decrease for the fourth quarter in a row.

The business profit share of non-financial corporations in EU27 was 37.1% in Q4 2009 from 36.9% in 2008. The eurozone profit share was 37.9% from 37.5% in Q3 2009. The eurozone profit share of non-financial corporations increased as value added grew 0.6%. Wage costs plus taxes minus subsidies on production was unchanged.