NSI: Business confidence improves in January

According to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), Bulgaria’s overall business confidence index rose by four points in January, climbing from 13% in December to 17%. An uncertain economic environment, labour shortages, and high input costs continue to constrain business activity.

In industry, confidence increased by three points to 15.5%, driven by more optimistic expectations for production over the next three months.

The construction sector recorded an even stronger rise of 4.8 points to reach 15.8%, reflecting similarly favourable expectations for business activity.

In retail trade, the improvement was more modest at 2.2 points, reaching 26.9%, as retailers remained cautious about sales volumes over the next three months.

The services sector saw the sharpest increase, with the business climate indicator rising by 7.2 points from 4.2% to 11.4%, as managers reported improved demand expectations in the near term.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova