21 April 2016

2016- n° 103

In April 2016, the business climate is virtually stable in services Monthly survey of services - April 2016

According to business managers, the business climate in services is virtually stable in April 2016. The composite indicator which measures it has decreased by one point and stands (98) slightly below its long-term average (100). The turning point indicator is in the unfavourable area.

The balance of opinion on the general outlook, which relates the assessment of business leaders over their whole sector, is almost stable, close to its long-term average. The balance on past activity has improved and has returned slightly above its long-term average. However, more business leaders than in March expect a deacrease in activity and demand for the incoming months.

The balance of opinion on the past operating balance has gone down and has fallen back below its long-term average. The balance on expected operating balance is almost stable, at its long-term average.

For the second month in a row, the balance on past employment has improved, whereas the balance on expected employment has gone down. Both balances stand above their long-term average.

In road freight, the balance on past activity is practically stable, at its long-term average. The balances on expected activity and demand have decreased markedly and have fallen back to their long-term average. The balances on employment remain above their long-term average.

In accommodation and food service activities, the balance on past activity is virtually stable, above its long-term average. The expectations on activity have deteriorated again. The balance on expected demand remains low. However, the balances on past and expected employment remain well above their long-term average.

In information and communication, the balance on past activity has increased significantly and has returned to its long-term average. Nevertheless, the expectations on activity and demand have deteriorated markedly. The corresponding balances are clearly below their long-term average.

In real estate, the balances on past and expected activity and on expected demand have recovered sharply. However, the balance on past employment has gone down and has fallen back below its long-term average.

In professional, scientific and technical activities, the balance on past activity has decreased significantly and has returned below its long-term average. The expectations on activity and demand have deteriorated too and stand now below their long-term average.

In administrative and support service activities, the balance on past activity has improved again and stand clearly above its long-term average. The balances on expected activity and demand have decreased slightly but remain above their long-term average. The balance on past employment has improved again and the balance on expected employment is stable. Both balances stand well above their long-term average, particularly in temporary work agencies.