Czech Republic: Economic sentiment declines in March
The economic sentiment indicator, published by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO), dropped to 87.0 in March (February: 89.7).
The business confidence index decreased in March, coming in at 87.7, from February’s 90.6 reading. The deterioration was almost broad-based, with sentiment weakening in the industry, trade and selected services sectors. On the other hand, confidence in the construction sector improved.
Meanwhile, consumer confidence fell in March, with the index dropping to 84.0 from 85.0 in February. The decrease reflected consumers’ mounting concerns regarding unemployment as well as the economic situation over the next 12 months.