Solid end to the year

The outlook for the European construction industry marginally declined following three consecutive rises, although activity for December rose significantly.

A balance figure of +18.9% of survey respondents said activity levels in December were higher than in November. This was up from the figure of +3.8% seen in November, which, until December, 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 a slight decrease in optimism about the future, with a balance of +36.7% saying they expected activity to be higher in a year’s time than now. This was down from the +40% seen in November, which was closer to the highest figure seen in 2016 so far, with the highest coming in June, at +49.1%.

A balance of +15.6% of survey respondents, however, said activity levels in December were better than a year previously. This compared to a higher balance of +1.3% in November, showing work had increased year-on-year.

The CE Climate figure was also up in December to +23.7%, compared with the +15% seen in November, reaching above the +20% mark once again.

Confidence about the future may have dipped slightly, but the reality of +36.7% is still high.

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