- Competitiveness & Innovation
Economic Confidence Survey – Autumn 2018
Business outlook more cautious amidst economic uncertainties
Brussels, 23 November 2018 – The ERT Industrial Confidence Index (ICI)[1]fell compared to 6 months ago but remains in positive territory, amidst increased uncertainties related to Brexit and global trade.
The ICI measures the general business outlook of around 50 CEOs and Chairman of leading European companies, Members of the European Round Table of Industrialists (ERT).
ERT Industrial Confidence Index (ICI)
The respondents’ expectations for their companies’ sales, investment and employment both inside and outside Europe for the next 6 months became more neutral, compared to the May 2018 figures. Scores for each parameter remain positive though, showing a trend towards “stabilisation”. The indices also show a higher expected development outside the European market than inside.
In total 50 CEOs and Chairman of Europe’s leading industrial companies replied to a survey held between 22 October and 16 November.
The survey was conducted by the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW).
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[1] ERT ICI score: a sum of weighted share of business leaders replying very positive (+10) / positive (+5) / neutral (0) / negative (-5) / very negative (-10). Maximum value = all business leaders very positive +10; minimum value = all business leaders very negative -10.