Czech Republic: Economic sentiment strengthens in September
The economic sentiment indicator, a composite confidence indicator published by the Czech Statistical Office (CSO), climbed from 99.1 in August to 99.6 in September. As a result, the indicator moved closer to the 100-point mark that separates optimism from pessimism in the Czech economy.
The business confidence index rose from 96.9 in August to 97.3 in September. The increase came on the back of improved sentiment in the trade and services sectors, which more than offset a slight deterioration in confidence in construction. Meanwhile, confidence in the industry sector remained unchanged from the previous month.
Similarly, consumers were more optimistic in September, with the consumer confidence index rising from 110.3 in August to 111.0 points. The climb was mainly due to consumers’ stronger willingness to save compared to the previous month. Consumer confidence remains well above the historical average.