The table shows the percentage of personal income devoted to savings in seven countries in 1990, 2000 and 2010.
The most dramatic changes are evident in Italy, Japan, France and Canada. In 1990, Italy has the highest savings rate of 29.5%, followed by France with 18.7% and Japan with 17.6%. Canada had the lowest rate- a meager 5.6%.
By 2000, Italy was still the leading country, though its savings rate had dropped to 17.6%. Germany was next with 13.8% (same as 1990) and the rates in France and Japan were close behind. In Canada, the savings rate had almost doubled to 11.5%. The UK and the USA had the lowest rates- 8.2% and 5.5% respectively.
By 2010, the savings rate had leveled out considerably across the seven countries. France and Japan led with 13.6, followed by Germany, Italy and the UK at around 11%. Personal savings in North America dropped sharply, with the USA at 4% and Canada at a very low 1.9%.
The overall trend shows a reduction in savings over this twenty year period