CE Barometer for January 2022

The January barometer survey was undertaken during the first three weeks of February.

This survey closed just before Russia invaded Ukraine, so the relative sense of optimism must be tempered by what has come since.

At this point, there is no knowing what impact the current conflict will have on construction markets in Europe.

Dunring the month of February, industry professionals looked back at the previous month and saw strengthening business.

Whereas, in the previous month, only 20.8% of respondents saw improving business levels, this month saw 37.1% of respondents reporting growth.

Likewise, 21.0% reported a fall in business levels, compared with 27.8% in the previous month.

As a balance figure, with 0% being the status quo, the barometer saw a rise of 16.1%.

Longer-range forecast

Looking back to this time last year, however, there is little movement from the previous month, with 54.8% reporting growth (0.6% up on the previous survey).

Those reporting slower business than a year ago was also slightly up, at 14.5%, compared with 12.5% in the previous barometer.

Again, looking ahead, there is not a signifcant change in confidence for the year ahead, but what change there is is negative.

54.8% of respondents forecast better business a year from now, compared with 56.9% in the previous survey.

Respondents predicting a fall in business activity rose 2% to 14.5%.

In all, a relatively static barometer, but next month’s respond almost certainly will not be.