CE Barometer May 2015: Optimism strong but softening

Confidence in the European construction sector stayed strong in May, but was a little cooler than the previous month

The CE Climate, an overall measure of confidence in the sector stood at a balance score of +22.2% in May. A strong result, but down from the figure of +30.3% seen in April. The balance figure is the percentage of positive responses minus the percentage of negative responses.

The change reflected an across-the-board softening in sentiment on the European construction sector. However, all the major indicators of confidence remained firmly in positive territory.

For instance, a positive balance of +23.5% of respondents said activity levels were higher in May than in April. A good result, but down from the figure of +28.7% seen the previous month.

Similarly, a balance of +12.9% said activity levels in may were better than a year ago, whereas the figure for April was +24.1%.

Finally, a positive balance of +29.7% of respondents said they expect to be busier in a year’s time than in may. When asked the same question in April, a balance of +37.9% were optimistic about the future.

But to put May’s results in context, they were generally better than those seen in the first quarter of 2015, and overall confidence in the sector is still strong. Indeed, you would have to go back a year or more to find similar levels of buoyancy in the sector.

Take part

The survey, which takes just a one minute to complete, is open to all construction professionals working in Europe. The CE Barometer survey is open from the 1^st to the 15^th of each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu