23 March 2017

2017- n° 77

In March 2017, the business climate in services is stable above its long-term average Monthly survey of services - March 2017

According to business managers surveyed in March 2017, the business climate in services remains favourable. The business climate composite indicator is stable and stands at 104, above its long-term average (100). Because of late businesses' answers that have been taken into account, the indicator in February has been revised upward by one point.

The turning point indicator remains in the area indicating a favourable short-term outlook.

The balance on general outlook, which relates the assessment of business leaders over their whole sector, is stable and clearly above its long-term average. The balance on past activity, already slightly above its long-term average, has improved again. However, the balance on expected activity is virtually stable at its long-term average. The expectations on demand have decreased slightly and the corresponding balance has almost fallen back to its long-term average.

The balances on past and expected employment are unchanged and thus remain clearly above their long-term average.

The balances on past and expected selling prices have gone up slightly and stand almost at their long-term average.

The balances on past and expected investments are stable or almost. Both balances remain above their long-term average.

In most subsectors, the business climate is virtually stable. However, it has declined in accommodation and food service activities, whereas it has improved markedly in administrative and support service activities.

In road transport, the business climate is practically stable. At 107, it stands well above its long-term average. The balances on past activity and employment have improved, but those on expected activity and employment have declined. All balances remain clearly above their long-term average.

In accommodation and food services, the business climate has fallen back slighlty below its long-term average (99). The balance on past activity has increased significantly, but the balances on expected activity and demand have gone down sharply, returning below their long-term average.

In information and communication, the business climate remains slightly above its long-term average (101). The balance on past activity has recovered markedly. However, the balance on expected demand has deviated further from its long-term average.

In real estate activities, the business climate is stable, slightly above its long-term average (101). The balance on expected activity has recovered significantly, offsetting the decrease in the other balances.

The business climate in professional, scientific and technical activities has gone down by one point, mostly because of the balance on general outlook, which has slightly declined. The other balances are stable or almost. However, at 104, the business climate remains above its long-term average.

In administrative and support service activities, the business climate has increased anew. At 109, it stands clearly above its long-term average. The balances on expected activity and demand have gone up sharply. All balances are much higher than their long-term average, particularly those on employment.