Manufacturing confidence raised in February
25.02.2010
Finnish manufacturing confidence indicator improved in February. The indicator scored -1 point (revised figure -6 in January). The long-term average is +2.
Higher production expectations are the main reason for the rise. Stocks of final goods went also down and order books grew. However, order books are still well below their normal levels.
Construction confidence stayed unchanged in February. The confidence indicator scored -32 points, equal to the figure one month earlier. The long term average is -5.
Order books are weak at the present moment and the number of personnel is expected to decrease within the next few months.
Service companies’ confidence remained nearly static in February. The confidence indicator scored 0 points which is almost the same as the revised figure of +1 in January.
Sales growth has started to pick up, but the overall business situation
is still weak.
The retail trade confidence indicator fell slightly in February. It reached -4 points (revised figure -2 in January). Sales were in a slight decline and the sales expectations were lame.
