The indicator of economic sentiment in Slovakia worsened after several months of positive development when it dropped to 89.8 points in February 2012, according to data published by the Statistics Office. Behind the 0.4-point month-on-month fall lay pessimistic evaluations of businesses in industry, construction and services, the SITA newswire reported.
The confidence indicator in Slovak industry dropped six points to minus 1.3 points in the second month of 2012, 4.3 points below its long-term average.
Economic sentiment in construction fell by seven points to 48.5 points, influenced by increased pessimism about current demand and expected employment, the Statistics Office added. The indicator lagged 23.5 points behind its long-term average.
The confidence indicator in services sank 2.7 points to 19.3 points. The development of that indicator was influenced by a negative assessment of current demand, although future demand and the future business situation were evaluated positively.
On the other hand, commerce reported a six-point month-on-month growth in its confidence indicator to 10.7 points in February, approaching its long-term average. It was influenced by optimistic perception of its three components: the present-day and future business situations, as well as inventory. Consumer sentiment further improved in the second month, rising 3.3 points compared to the previous month.
Source: SITA
Compiled by Radka Minarechová from press reports
The Slovak Spectator cannot vouch for the accuracy of the information presented in its Flash News postings.
