Mixed feelings on European construction activity

The outlook for the European construction industry improved for a third straight month in November, although activity for the month fell.

A balance figure of +3.8% of survey respondents said activity levels in November were higher than in October. This was down from the figure of +11% seen in October, which was the highest figure recorded since April.

The balance figure is the percentage of positive responses minus the percentage of negative responses.

Respondents did, however, show increased optimism about the future, with a balance of +40% saying they expected activity to be higher in a year’s time than now. This was up from the +36.4% seen in October, and was closer to the highest figure seen in 2016 so far, with the highest coming in June, at +49.1%.

A balance of +1.3% of survey respondents, however, said activity levels in November were worse than a year previously. This compared to a higher balance of +5.9% in October, showing work had decreased year-on-year.

The CE Climate figure was down in November to +15%, compared with the +17.8% seen in October, which is now one of seven months in 2016 to date to see the figure drop below +20%.

Confidence about the future has improved once again, but activity for the month has somewhat dipped.

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 1st to the 15thof each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu