21 January 2016

2016- n° 18

In January 2016, the business climate in services has returned to its long-term average Monthly survey of services - January 2016

According to business managers, the business climate in services has improved in January 2016. The composite indicator which measures it has increased by two points and has returned to its long-term average (100) after a decline in December 2015. The turning point indicator remains in the uncertainty area.

The business climate in services in December 2015 has been revised downward by one point since its first estimate, because of late businesses' answers which have been taken into account.

The balance of opinion on the general outlook, which relates the assessment of business leaders over their whole sector, has improved markedly and has returned above its long-term average.

The balance on past activity is virtually stable. However, more business leaders than in last month expect an increase in activity and demand in the incoming months.

The balance of opinion on the past operating balance is virtually stable, above its long-term mean. The balance on expected operating balance has dropped back below its long-term average.

The balances on past and expected employment have gone up anew and have stood above their long-term average since July 2015.

In road freight, the balance on past activity has increased again. The business prospects have dipped slightly but the corresponding balance remains above its long-term average. The balances on employment are almost unchanged, above their long-term average.

In accommodation and food service activities, the balance on past activity has decreased slightly and stands below its long-term average. After a sharp decline in December 2015, the balances on expected activity and demand have recovered. The balances on past and expected employment have increased and stand well above their long-term average.

In information and communication, the balance on past activity has gone up but remains far below its long-term average. However, the expectations on demand have rebounded and the corresponding balance have returned above its long-term average.

In real estate, the balances of opinion on past and expected activity have increased slightly. The expectations on demand are virtually stable, below their long-term average. The balances on employment have improved and stand above their long-term average.

In professional, scientific and technical activities, the balances on activity and demand are almost unchanged. The expectations on activity and demand remain below their long-term average. The balances on employment have decreased slightly and stand close to their long-term average.

In administrative and support service activities, the balance on past activity has fallen back below its long-term average. Nevertheless, the balance on expected activity has increased and has returned to its long-term average. The balances on employment have improved again and have been far above their long-term average since the summer 2015, particularly in temporary work agencies.