Netherlands: Business confidence inches up in February
Business confidence came in at 3.7 in February, up from January’s 3.6. As a result, the index moved further above the 0-threshold, pointing to improved sentiment.
The reading reflected manufacturers becoming less pessimistic regarding their current stocks. That said, they were less positive about future output and their order books. Despite decreasing during the month, confidence remained highest in the electrotechnical and machinery industry. The confidence of textiles producers picked up significantly during the month, surpassing that of transport equipment manufacturers, which fell. Meanwhile, petroleum manufacturers remained the most pessimistic.