CE Barometer August 2009: Steady summer

Like July, results from the August CE Barometer survey pointed to a tentative recovery. Month-on-month activity was flat, which is normal for the summer months, and future expectations were for an imporvement.

A balance of +19,7% of respondents said they expected activity to be higher in a year's time, compared to now. It was the fifthe month running that this measure of confidence has been positive, although it has slipped back from the high of +25,6% seen in June.

As in July there was a negative balance for month-on-month activity, and the figure was almost unchanged at -1,7%. Although this wa a little disappointing following positive results in May and June, it is common for current activity to slip over the summer holiday season.

The balance figures are calculated as the percentage of respondents giving positive responses, minus the number giving negative answers.

As a result of these two figures, the arrow of our clock again pointed to the ‘Upturn' segment. The strength of the sentiment, as indicated by the length of the arrow has been similar for the last four months.

However, one measure of sentiment that remains in negative territory is the level of activity compared to a year ago. A massive balance of -71,7% of respondents said they were busier in August 2008 than this month.

Take part

CE would like to thank all those that took part in the August survey. It was completed by more than 300 construction professionals in 27 countries around the region.

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 15th of each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu