Business confidence

In February 2014 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 87.9 from 86.8 in January.

The confidence index in manufacturing rose to 99.1 from 97.7. Assessments on order books improved (from -27 to -25) while production expectations remained stable (to 5); inventories decreased (from -1 to -4).

The confidence index in construction rose to 77.1 from 76.3. Employment expectations improved (from -23 to -21) while assessments on order books and construction plans remained stable (to -49).

The market services confidence index rose to 90.2 from 88.6. The index increased in Transportation and storage (from 108.0 to 114.8) and in Tourism services (from 70.8 to 73.3) while it decreased in Information and communication (from 91.5 to 85.5) and in Business services and other services (from 83.7 to 82.4).

The retail trade confidence index rose to 96.3 from 93.9. The confidence increased in the large-scale distribution (from 93.1 to 97.2) and in small and medium scale distribution (from 94.8 to 96.3).