The Dutch are known for their thriftiness, and recent figures from De Nederlandse Bank (DNB) confirm this once again. In the third quarter of this year, a record amount was invested in the stock market, but an even larger sum remains tucked away in savings accounts.
Total Invested Amount Reaches Milestone #
The total amount invested by Dutch households has surpassed the €200 billion mark for the first time. In the third quarter, Dutch investors collectively held €204.7 billion in investments, a €9 billion increase in just three months, according to DNB.
The most popular investment vehicle is the investment fund, followed by listed stocks. An investment fund allows for diversified exposure to various assets, such as stocks, and is managed by a professional who makes the investment decisions.
The Reason for the Increase in Investments #
However, the rise in total investments doesn’t necessarily mean that more new money was invested. DNB notes that net purchases were relatively low. The primary driver for the increase was the strong performance of the stock market itself.
This year, stock prices have risen significantly, with tech stocks performing particularly well. While Shell was long the most popular company among Dutch investors, ASML now holds the top spot. ASML, a tech company that manufactures machines for producing chips used in cars and medical equipment, saw its stock value climb by 22 percent in the third quarter.
Dutch People Keep Saving a Lot #
Despite the growing popularity of investing, saving remains a deeply ingrained habit. In fact, the total amount invested is not even half of what Dutch citizens hold in their bank accounts. The total savings balance stands at a staggering €518.4 billion.
As previously reported, Dutch individuals aged between 65 and 75 hold the most in savings, with an average of €76,600. The median amount is considerably lower at €35,600, a difference explained by a small group of wealthy individuals skewing the average upwards.