Netherlands' corporate investment in fixed assets falls 3.8% in May 2026

The Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported that the volume of investments in material fixed assets fell 3.8 percent in May 2026 compared with the same month a year earlier, an acceleration from the 3.3 percent decline recorded in April. The drop was driven mainly by reduced spending on corporate buildings, infrastructure and machines, while investment in aircraft increased slightly.

May 2026 also had two fewer working days than May 2025, a factor not yet reflected in the figures. Analysts note that the continued contraction may signal weaker business confidence, potentially affecting order books, staffing plans and future productivity in sectors such as industry, construction and logistics.