In April 2011, the private sector invested 4,3 percent more in tangible fixed assets than in April 2010, according to Statistics Netherlands. The increase was less substantial than in March, when private sector investments were 6,8 percent up on one year previously. The highest growth rate this year (11,5 percent) was registered in February.

The slowdown can partly be attributed to a diminishing growth of investments in the construction sector. In the first two months of 2011, investments in buildings were considerably up on one year previously. The weather was much more favourable for the construction sector than at the beginning of 2010, when building activities were obstructed over harsh weather conditions. The growth rate of other private sector investments slowed down too.