Business Sentiment Unchanged in March
In manufacturing, the business sentiment indicator was down three percentage points compared to February, eleven points year-on-year and five points below the long-term average.
In retail, the relevant index was flat in March but it was up seven percentage points year-on-year and four points below the long-term average.
The surveyed companies named the competition in the sector, low demand and high labour costs among the most restrictive factors in retail.
The business sentiment indicator in construction was also flat in March, and its value was up eleven percentage points year-on-year and 24 points below the long-term average.
In the services sector, the relevant indicator was up four percentage points compared to February, down eight points year-on-year and 22 points below the long-term average.