Mood among manufacturers improved

Dutch manufacturers were less pessimistic in February 2013 than in January. The producer confidence indicator improved 2 points and stood at –3.6.

Producer confidence consists of three component indicators: the expected output over the next three months, manufacturers’ opinions on their order positions and opinions on their stocks of finished products.

Manufacturers were far less negative about their expected output in February than they were in January. Manufacturers’ opinions on their stocks also improved, but their opinions on their order positions deteriorated somewhat.

Producer confidence in manufacturing industry

Manufacturers were more negative about future employment in their sector in February than they were in January. Nearly 21 percent anticipated staff cuts during the next three months; nearly 6 percent expected employment to improve. So, the balance of positive and negative answers was –15 in February, versus –13 in January.

Expectations workforce next three months

More figures can be found in dossier Business cycle.

For more information on economic indicators, the reader is referred to the Economic Monitor.