Belgium Business Confidence Improves In August

Belgium's business confidence rose in August after weakening in the previous month, survey data from the National Bank of Belgium showed Thursday.

The business confidence indicator rose to -8.9 in August from -10.8 in the previous month. The expected reading was -9.6.

Among sectors, the confidence indicator improved in the manufacturing and building industries, while it weakened slightly in the trade and business-related services sectors, the survey said.

The confidence indicator for the manufacturing industry strengthened to -10.5 from -13.5. Total order book balance remained more positive in August, and business leaders were also more optimistic about demand expectations and expect a further rise in employment over the next three months.

The sub-index for the building industry rose to -9.4 from -10.0, as constructors were more upbeat about the recent trend in equipment use and orders. Meanwhile, the morale for trade worsened to -8.3 from -7.2, and the same for business-related services declined to -1.5 from -1.2.

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