| As a whole, UK households are more asset-rich than anywhere else in Europe, due mainly to the long tradition of funded occupational pensions. However, UK citizens also borrow more than other Europeans. The Belgians and the Dutch have, per head, 89.9% and 88.5% respectively of the financial assets of the UK. The distribution of financial assets shows a concentration in North-West Europe, and a diminution as one travels southwards and eastwards.
Among the six Euroland countries under review — Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands and Spain — ownership of notes and coins, as a percentage of all financial assets, is highest in Spain and lowest in The Netherlands and Belgium. In France, Italy, Spain and Belgium, over 40% of households' financial assets are in shares and other equities. Transferable deposits, such as cheque accounts and no-notice deposit accounts, are proportionately highest in Italy. The Belgians and Dutch, who are substantial investors in life assurance and equities respectively, hold very few transferable deposits. This market assessment covers the topic.
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