Belgium: Consumer sentiment continues rising in December; business sentiment bounces back
The consumer confidence indicator produced by the National Bank of Belgium (NBB) rose to minus 8 in December, improving from November’s minus 15, despite the extension of lockdown restrictions until January. Expectations on the future of the economy became significantly less negative and unemployment concerns eased at a faster pace. Moreover, households’ expectations on future savings improved markedly, while they became more optimistic regarding their future financial situation.
On a different note, NBB’s business confidence indicator came in at minus 8.4 in December, up from minus 12.1 in November. The uptick was driven by easing pessimism in business-related services and manufacturing. In addition, the trade sector grew less pessimistic, albeit remaining significantly downbeat.