Let $A$ be a complete local ring with a coefficient field $k$ of characteristic zero, and let $Y$ be its spectrum. The de Rham homology and cohomology of $Y$ have been defined by R. Hartshorne using a choice of surjection $R\rightarrow A$ where $R$ is a complete regular local $k$-algebra: the resulting objects are independent of the chosen surjection. We prove that the Hodge–de Rham spectral sequences abutting to the de Rham homology and cohomology of $Y$, beginning with their $E_{2}$-terms, are independent of the chosen surjection (up to a degree shift in the homology case) and consist of finite-dimensional $k$-spaces. These $E_{2}$-terms therefore provide invariants of $A$ analogous to the Lyubeznik numbers. As part of our proofs we develop a theory of Matlis duality in relation to ${\mathcal{D}}$-modules that is of independent interest. Some of the highlights of this theory are that if $R$ is a complete regular local ring containing $k$ and ${\mathcal{D}}={\mathcal{D}}(R,k)$ is the ring of $k$-linear differential operators on $R$, then the Matlis dual $D(M)$ of any left ${\mathcal{D}}$-module $M$ can again be given a structure of left ${\mathcal{D}}$-module, and if $M$ is a holonomic ${\mathcal{D}}$-module, then the de Rham cohomology spaces of $D(M)$ are $k$-dual to those of $M$.

This paper addresses several questions related to the Hodge conjecture. First of all we consider the question, asked by Maillot and Soulé, whether the Hodge conjecture can be reduced to the case of varieties defined over number fields. We show that this is the case for the Hodge classes whose corresponding Hodge locus is defined over a number field. We also give simple criteria for this last condition to be satisfied. Finally we discuss the relation between this condition and the notion of absolute Hodge class.