In November 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, increased to 83.2 from 79.9 in October.
The confidence index in manufacturing rose to 98.1 from 97.4. Assessments on order books and production expectations improved (from -27 to -25 and from 4 to 5, respectively); while balance on inventories increased (from -2 to -1).
The confidence index in construction fell to 80.0 from 80.9. Assessments on order books and construction plans improved (from -46 to -45), while employment expectations worsened (from -19 to -21).
The market services confidence index rose to 80.5 from 74.9 in October. The index increased in Transportation and storage (from 77.5 to 86.8), in Tourism services (from 66.5 to 68.4), in Information and communication (from 75.0 to 82.9) and in Business services and other services (from 72.8 to 78.6).
The retail trade confidence index rose to 90.7 from 89.4 in October. The confidence increased in the large-scale distribution (from 88.0 to 91.2) and it remained stable in small and medium scale distribution (to 91.0).