In January compared with December, confidence indicator in trade increased 2 percentage points (p.p.) to 29,0 as a result of positive evaluations of the current business activities and the stock of goods.
93% of respondents assessed the trend in business activities over the past three months as favourable or unchanged.
The seasonally adjusted balance increased 4 p.p. compared with December. Positive evaluations (weighted turnover) prevail in all sectors of retail trade, in all size groups and regions.
The level of stock decreased month-on-month 2 p.p. and 95% of respondents assess it to be normal to the season. 37% of respondents plan to increase orders (by 3% less than in the survey conducted in December), 17% reported a decrease (by 6% more) and 46% of enterprises expect a stabilised development (by 3% less).
The final seasonally adjusted balance decreased 9 p.p. in this indicator. In spite of that, respondents will increase orders in all sectors of retail trade, except the sale and repair of motor vehicles and in retail sale of other goods, in all size groups except enterprises employing 50 to 99 people and in all regions, except TrenÄÃn.
When evaluating the expected business activities over the next three months, compared with the previous month there were no changes, therefore the balance in January remained unchanged.
An increase of business activities is expected 43% of enterprises (by 1% less than in the survey conducted in December), 46% of enterprises assume a stable development (by 3% more) and 11% of respondents expect a decrease (by 2% less).
Positive evaluations prevail in all sectors of retail trade, except the sale and repair of motor vehicles, in all size groups, except enterprises employing 11 to 19 people and in all regions, except TrenÄÃn and PreÅ¡ov.
Compared with December, an increase is assumed in the employment development, the seasonally adjusted balance increased 2 p.p. to 32.
The majority of respondents (59%) do not expect any changes, 33% expect an increase in the number of employees and 8% expect the decrease of employment.
The number of employees will be increased in all sectors of retail trade, except the sale of motor vehicles, retail sale of automotive fuels and in all size groups.
In territorial terms, the number of employees will be increased in all regions, except TrenÄÃn, Žilina and PreÅ¡ov.
When evaluating the expected development of prices, the majority of respondents (71%) assume it will remain unchanged, which is 6% more than in the previous month.
An increase of prices is assumed 26% of respondents (by 4% less than in the survey conducted in December) and a decrease 3% of enterprises (by 2% less). The final balance decreased 3 p.p. compared with the previous month.
A price increase is expected respondents in all sectors of retail trade, in all size groups and in all regions. ■