KOF Economic Barometer: Outlook slightly more favourable again

The KOF Economic Barometer rises by 1.0 points in August to a value of 101.6 (after a revised 100.6 in July). The majority of the indicator bundles included in the Economic Barometer contribute to the upward movement. In particular, these are the bundles for the other services sector, consumer demand and the construction industry. However, the indicators for the manufacturing and hospitality industries also show a small increase overall. Compared to the previous month, the values of the indicators for foreign demand are almost stable. In contrast, the financial and insurance services sector is experiencing a setback.

Within the producing industry (manufacturing and construction), the indicators for different aspects of business activity are developing unevenly. The indicators for production and employment planning are developing particularly positively. In contrast, the indicators for the competitive situation and the stockpiling of intermediate products are slowing down.

The picture in the sub-industries of manufacturing is not homogeneous either. In particular, the outlook for the electrical industry and the wood, glass, stone and earth segment is brightening. By contrast, the outlook for the paper and printing products sub-industry and the metal industry is gloomier.