CE Barometer October 2015: More wobbles

September saw a bounce-back in European construction activity from the seasonal summer lull, but rather than strengthening further, results of the October CE Barometer survey showed shakiness in the market.

A positive balance of just +1.2% of respondents said activity levels in October were higher than in September. That compares to a figure of +10.5% in September for the same measure of confidence. The balance figure is the percentage of positive responses minus the percentage of negative responses. A positive figure indicates growth, a negative one contraction.

However, respondents to the survey remained bullish about future prospects. A resounding balance of +34.9% said they expected activity levels to be higher in a year’s time than now. This was on a par with September’s figure of +38.7%.

But back on the down side, survey respondents said they were less busy this October than a year ago, with a negative balance of -8.1%. This was the first time since March that the CE Barometer has indicated a drop in the market.

These mixed results pulled down the overall CE Climate figure to +9.3%. Although it remained well in positive territory, this was the lowest it has been since March. Its weakness reflects the mixed picture in Europe during October as far as construction markets were concerned.

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