In September 2020, the total business climate indicator increases by 0.8 percentage points compared to August as a result of the improved managers’ opinions in the retail trade, the National Statistical Institute reported.
Industry. The composite indicator ‘business climate in industry’ preserves approximately its level from the previous month. The industrial entrepreneurs assess the present production activity as favourable, as their forecasts about the activity over the next 3 months are also improved. The uncertain economic environment remains the main obstacle for the business development. In the second and third place are the insufficient domestic demand and insufficient foreign demand. Concerning the selling prices in industry, the managers’ expectations are them to remain unchanged over the next 3 months .
Construction. In September, the composite indicator ‘business climate in construction’ decreases by 1.0 percentage point as a result of the more unfavourable construction entrepreneurs’ assessments and expectation about the business situation of the enterprises. In their opinion, there is a decrease in the new orders inflow at the last month, which is accompanied by worsened expectations about the construction activity over the next 3 months. The most serious difficulties for the activity continue to be the uncertain economic environment, shortage of labour and competition of the branch, although in the last month a decrease of their negative influence is reported. As regards the selling prices in construction, the majority of the managers expect them to preserve their level over the next 3 months.
Retail trade. The composite indicator ‘business climate in retail trade’ increases by 4.2 percentage points which is due to the improved retailers’ assessments and expectations about the business situation of the enterprises. Their expectations about the volume of sales and orders placed whit suppliers over the next 3 months are also more favourable. The uncertain economic environment, competition in the branch and insufficient demand remain the main problems for the business development, as the inquiry registers an increase of the negative impact of the first two factors. Concerning the selling prices, the retailers foresee them to remain unchanged over the next 3 months.
Service sector. In September, the composite indicator ‘business climate in service sector’ remains to its August level. The managers’ assessments and expectations about the present and expected demand for services are shifting to the more moderate opinions. The main factor limiting the activity of the enterprises continues to be the uncertain economic environment, followed by the insufficient demand and competition in the branch. As regards the selling prices in the service sector, the managers’ expectations are them to preserve their level over the next 3 months.