Czech Republic: Economic sentiment improves slightly in August
The economic sentiment indicator, a composite confidence indicator published by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO), climbed from 98.7 in July to 99.1 in August. As a result, the indicator moved closer to the 100-point mark that separates optimism from pessimism in the Czech economy.
The business confidence index rose from 96.1 points in July to 96.9 points in August. The increase came on the back of improved sentiment in the industry, construction, and services sectors, which more than offset a slight deterioration in confidence in the trade industry.
Conversely, consumers were less optimistic in August, with the consumer confidence index falling from 111.8 points in July to 110.3 points, marking the third consecutive monthly drop and an eight-month low. The decline was largely due to consumers’ more negative assessment of the overall economic situation in the next 12 months. Nonetheless, consumer confidence remained well above the historical average.