After having shown a slight increase in the previous month, the National Bank of Belgium's business barometer rose further in August. Business confidence improved in the manufacturing industry, business-related services and trade. The economic climate nearly stabilised in the building industry. The second improvement in a row in the manufacturing industry can be attributed to a more favourable assessment of total order books and a more positive sentiment regarding demand and employment. After two consecutive decreases, the economic climate picked up in the business-related services sector, notably as a result of a ... (full story)