The index of current situation assessments for the total economy rose by 3.9 points in April and was only just in negative territory at –2.9 points. In manufacturing, which is particularly important for the economy, the situation index gained 2.4 points, but at –20.8 points remained well below the zero line that separates positive from negative situation assessments. In the construction industry, the situation index rose significantly (+6.7 points), but was also still in negative territory at –3.5 points. The situation index also increased in the services sector (+3.6 points) and climbed higher into positive territory with a value of 5.5 points. In the retail trade, the situation index improved noticeably (+7.3 points) and, at 10.0 points, was once again well above the zero line.
The index of business expectations for the total economy improved by 3.5 points in April, but at –3.9 points remained below the zero line that separates negative from positive economic expectations. In the retail trade, the expectations index fell slightly (–0.7 points) and remained in the sceptical economic expectations range at –15.8 points. In the services sector, the expectations index rose slightly (+1.9 points) and was in positive territory at 3.2 points. Expectations also rose in the construction industry (+3.8 points). At –0.2 points, the index was close to the zero line. In the manufacturing sector, the expectations index showed a significant improvement in April (+7.6 points). However, at –12.7 points, the index remained in the area of sceptical economic expectations.
