Manufacturers less pessimistic
Dutch manufacturers were less negative in December than in November. The producer confidence indicator stood at -5.7 versus -7.0 in November. The mood improved for the second month in a row.
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.
In December, manufacturers were clearly less pessimistic about their future output. Opinions on stocks and order positions also improved, though only marginally.
Producer confidence in manufacturing industry
Over the past few months, manufacturers have obviously become more pessimistic about future employment in their sector. In December, a quarter anticipated staff cuts in the next three months, whereas 6 percent expected employment to improve versus 21 and 7 percent respectively in November.
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.