CE Barometer results for June 2021

The June 2021 barometer survey was completed during the first three weeks of June.

The balance figure (the difference between those reporting on improvement or deterioration in conditions between February and March 2021) now stands at 15.2%, a significant 23% fall from the previous month’s figure.

Just over a third (34.3%) of respondents registered an improvement in their business in June, compared with the previous month, while those reporting a worsening of business almost doubled (up to 19.2% from just 10.8% in May).

As one might expect, the bad news from the last month has filtered through to the results compared with last year, as the number of respondents reporting worse business than a year ago rose from 7.8% to 13.1%. Those experiencing improved business, compared with a year ago fell from 75.5% in May to 62.6% in June.

In last month’s barometer, we already saw respondents being less enthusiastic about their expectations for a year’s time. This barometer shows a continuation of this level of business confidence, with just over half (51.5%) expecting improved business next year. This compares with 57.8% who saw things improving last month.

Just 10% predict lower levels of business next year, which is a positive takeaway from this month’s survey.