FDI into western Europe has declined between March and May 2014, according to data recorded by greenfield investment monitor fDi Markets.

In March, 228 foreign companies invested in 254 projects in western Europe, spending $11.34bn and creating 20,458 jobs. In April, the number of new projects fell to 249 by 217 companies, and continued to decline to 188 projects by 164 companies in May.

Capital investment fell to $5.63bn in April, down 50.4% from March. There was a slight increase in May, with a capital investment of $6.21bn.

The number of jobs created also saw a decline in May, with 15,535 jobs created, a decline of 24.1% from March.

The US was the country that invested the most in western Europe. Capital expenditure of $2.68bn was invested in March, followed by a large decrease in April to $1.37bn and a slight recovery in May, with $1.91bn recorded.

The United Arab Emirates saw the largest decline of FDI into western Europe between March and April. The country was responsible for $117m worth of western Europe-destined FDI in April, a decline of 95.3% from March levels of $2.48bn.

The software and IT services sector remained the most prevalent sector for western Europe destined FDI between March and May. However, the sector also faced a decline, falling from 50 projects in March to 36 in April, and continuing to decline to 34 projects in May.