Netherlands: Business confidence hits highest reading since August 2022 but remains pessimistic in March
Business confidence rose to 4.0 in March from February’s 3.7. March’s result marked the strongest sentiment since August 2022. As such, the index remained above the 0-threshold, signaling optimism among businesses.
The reading reflected manufacturers becoming more positive about future output and less pessimistic regarding their current stocks. Their opinions regarding their order books were broadly unchanged. Confidence in the electrotechnical and machinery industry increased and remained highest. Meanwhile, textiles producers’ confidence fell significantly during the month and was surpassed by the confidence of manufacturers in the transport sector, which climbed to second place in the ranking. Meanwhile, petroleum manufacturers remained the most pessimistic.