National economic wealth in 2013 - A second year of stability

At the end of 2013, national economic wealth stood at 13,345 billion euros, i.e. nearly eight times the net domestic product for the year. As in 2012, it was almost stable (+ 0.1% in current euros after - 0.3%), most notably because non-financial assets, mainly comprising housing and developed real estate, stagnated. Household wealth continued to grow, although modestly (+ 1.8% after + 1.7%). The non-financial assets of households, which are mostly housing and land, were virtually unchanged after a slight drop (- 0.1% after - 1.3% in 2012). Their financial assets continued to rise thanks to the continued flow of significant investments and the increase in the value of equity held. In 2013, the own funds of non-financial companies grew by 8.0%, mainly thanks to positive market effects on share prices. However, these companies invested little, running down stocks and limiting their debt level. Additionally, the rise in share prices increased their equity liabilities, causing their net value to diminish. Lastly, general government liabilities slowed very sharply due to the decline in bond prices.