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Business barometer dips very slightly in December
All components of the indicator have deteriorated in business-related services, in particular the outlook for activity in the firms surveyed. Furthermore, the loss of confidence has affected all service activities. The slight decline in the building industry is mainly explained by a contraction in order books and by lower use being made of available equipment. In the trade sector, it is the forecasts for employment and orders placed with suppliers that have been revised downwards. As for the manufacturing industry, the only branch of activity where business confidence has not wavered, the improvement in the indicator ... (full story)