CE Barometer August 2010: Mixed messages

The results of August's CE Barometer survey presented a mixed picture of the industry, with confidence on current activity levels falling but other measures improving.

This measure of confidence dropped to a positive balance of +12,4% in August, from +19,2% in July and +25,7% in June. It remains to be seen if this is a seasonal factor - month on month activity usually slows over the summer holiday period - or whether there has been a more fundamental shift in industry dynamics.

But while this indicator fell, others shot up. Compared to last month's figure of +15,8%, a balance of +44,2% of respondents said they thought activity would be higher in a year's time.

There was also a slight up-tick in the proportion of people saying activity was higher now than a year ago. At a balance of +27,9%, this was the highest this measure has been since early 2008.

Once again, it is important to stress that the that the CE Barometer only shows the way the markets are moving, and what proportion of respondents are feeling that change. It does not and cannot give any indication of how volumes, or the value of work compare to previous highs or lows.

Take part

CE would like to thank all those that took part in the July survey. It was completed by more than 300 construction professionals in 30 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 15^th of each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu