CE Barometer October 2012: Brighter future

Results for the October CE Barometer survey reflected the same bleak sentiment that was seen in September. A negative balance of -24.5% of respondents said there were greater activity levels in October 2011, compared to the same month this year, a result that was similar to September’s figure of -30.1%. The balance figure is the percentage of positive responses, minus the number of negative ones, and this measure of confidence has been in negative territory since February this year.

In addition, a balance of -11.3% of respondents said activity in October was lower than in the previous month – a result that was almost unchanged from September’s survey. As in September, a negative result is unusual for this time of year, as there is often a push for work after the summer break, but before weather deteriorates over the winter months.

However, a positive improvement was the balance of +12.6% of respondents who said they expected activity to be higher in a year’s time. This measure of confidence bounced back from the -3.5% result seen in September, restoring the positive outlook that has been seen throughout 2012.

This improvement drove a shift in the CE Climate – an overall measure of confidence – up to -7.7%, compared to the figure of -15.0% which was September’s result. However, it was also the fourth month in a row that this broad measure of confidence has been in negative territory.

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 1st to the 15^th of each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu