22 June 2017

2017- n° 166

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

According to business managers surveyed in June 2017, the business climate in services remains favourable. The business climate composite indicator is stable at 103, above its long-term average (100).

The turning point indicator has returned in the area indicating a favourable short-term economic.

The balance on general outlook, which relates the assessment of business leaders over their whole sector, is stable, clearly above its long-term average. The balance on past activity is also unchanged, at its average. However, the personal expectations on activity and demand have improved ; the corresponding balances stand close to their long-term average.

The balance on past employment is unchanged, far above its long-term average. However, that on expected employment has gone down because of temporary work agencies, returning close to its long-term average.

The balances on past and expected investments have decreased. Nevertheless, both balances stand above their long-term average.

In the two major subsectors (information and communication, and professional, scientific and technical activities), the business climate is virtually stable. It has lost two points in administrative and support activities, and has gone up in other subsectors. All business climate composite indicators stand above their long-term average, except that in information and communication, which stands just below it (99).

In road transport, the business climate has increased by two points. At 111, it stands at its highest level since March 2008. The balances on activity and demand have gone up markedly, whereas those on past employment and general outlook have decreased while remaining clearly above their long-term average.

In accommodation and food services, the business climate has increased by three points, to 105. All balances stand above their long-term average. Those on past activity and general outlook have increased significantly. Other balances are virtually stable.

In information and communication, the business climate is virtually stable, slightly below its long-term average (99). The balances on expected activity and demand have gone up but remain clearly below their long-term average.

In real estate activities, the business climate has increased by two points, to 105. The balances on activity and demand have improved. However, that on expected employment has gone down, returning below its long-term average.

The business climate in professional, scientific and technical activities is virtually stable. At 104, it stands above its long-term average. The balances on past activity, past employment and general outlook have increased.

In administrative and support service activities, the business climate indicator has decreased by two points. At 105, it remains above its long-term average. Almost all balances stand above their long-term average, except that on expected employment which has fallen back slightly below its long-term average, because of temporary work agencies.