CE Barometer November 2009: Seasonal slowdown

November saw confidence in the European construction industry fall back compared to October, but still remain in positive territory. Such a slow down is part of the industry's normal seasonal pattern, with work tailing-off as the winter seets in.

Month-on-month was in positive territory with a balance of +4,7% of respondents saying activity was higher in November than October. This was quite a way down from the figure of +16,8% seen in October, but was still in the same ballpark as results over the summer months

The drop-off in sentiment about future prospects was less marked, with a positive balance of +27,8% of respndents saying they thought activity levels would be higher in a year's time. This remained close to the figures +32,3% and +35,8% seen in October and September, indicating the industry is still confident about prospects for 2010.

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 positive figures, the arrow of our clock pointed to the ‘Boom' segment. The arrow length, which indicates the strength of the sentiment, was shorter than in October, due to the falls in positive sentiment. The arrow also moved backwards - closer to the ‘upturn' segment - due to the lower month-on-monthrise in sentiment.

Take part

CE would like to thank all those that took part in the October survey. It was completed by more than 300 construction professionals in 28 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