Statistical news focuses on the latest figures and trends in Danmarks Nationalbank’s statistics. Statistical news is targeted at people who want quick insight into current financial data.
Danish households buy European stocks
Danish households have purchased European stocks worth more than kr. 9 billion from January to May 2025, which is significantly more than in the previous three years. The purchases stem from direct investments in individual stocks and from investments through investment funds. To find a comparable level of interest in European stocks, we have to go back to 2021. During the same period, Danish households sold American stocks for kr. 1.3 billion. Households have also sold Danish stocks for kr. 3 billion.
In the first five months of the year, Danish households have bought European stocks and sold American ones
Note:
Net purchases of publicly traded shares by Danish households (employees and pensioners, etc.). Trading through investment funds is the net purchases made by households through investment funds in which the households have ownership. Foreign investment funds are not included. Europe excludes Denmark. The years 2020-2024 consist of net purchases for the entire year, while 2025 covers net purchases from January to May.
Investments in defense stocks are significant
Defense stocks account for 32 per cent of Danish households' total purchases of European stocks in the first five months of 2025. At the top of the list are Rheinmetall and Saab. In May, for the first time, Rheinmetall became the European stock in which Danish households have the largest investment. This is primarily driven by price increases and, to a lesser extent, new purchases. Although Danish households have sold American stocks and bought European ones in 2025, American stocks still make up 29 per cent of the total stock portfolio as of May. In comparison, European stocks account for 16 per cent, Danish stocks 48 per cent, and other listed stocks 7 per cent.
From January to May 2025, the two largest European stock purchases by Danish households were in defense stocks
Note:
Households’ (employees and pensioners, etc.) net purchases of the five largest purchases of European stocks and five largest sales of American stocks from January to May 2025. Defense stocks are stocks in the GICS industry group 'Aerospace and Defense' (Morgan Stanley Capital International, MSCI).