Most Confidence Indicators Improved in March

Finnish manufacturing confidence improved mildly as the stocks of final goods decreased.The indicator rose to -4 points on March from -7 points in February. The long-term average is +1.

The rise in construction confidence from -9 in February to -5 in March was driven by strengthening order books. Confidence is slightly above its long-term average (-8). Employment expectations are still cautious.

Service sector confidence lost two points in March. The latest reading of the index came in at +8, compared with +10 in February. The long-term average is +13.

Retail trade confidence improved in March. The indicator stands now at -7(-10 in February). The long-term average is -2. Assessments on the past sales remained weak, while future expectations were less pessimistic. The volume of stocks increased.

• Confidence Indicators, March 2016 (pdf)
• The data (excel)