In April 2013 the composite business confidence climate index (IESI, Istat Economic Sentiment Indicator), obtained by summarizing the confidence climates of manufacturing, construction, market services and retail trade, decreased to 74.6 from 78.5 in March.
The confidence index in manufacturing fell to 87.6 from 88.6. Assessments on order books and production expectations worsened (from -43 to -46 and from -3 to -5, respectively); inventories decreased.
The confidence index in construction decreased to 78.2 from 79.8. Assessments on order books and construction plans increased (from -53 to -52) while employment expectations decreased (from -13 to -17).
The market services confidence index fell to 68.2 from 73.6 in March. The index decreased in all sectors, particularly in Transportation and storage (from 77.9 to 57.9); the index sloped down from 69.0 to 64.9 in Tourism services, from 70.6 to 68.0 in Information and communication and from 74.6 to 73.7 in Business services and other services.
The retail trade confidence index rose to 77.4 from 75.4 in March. The confidence increased in large scale distribution (from 65.1 to 68.6) and in small and medium scale distribution (from 88.1 to 88.3).