According to the survey, managers in the manufacturing industry predict relative stability of the production volume for the months of January, February and March (short-term balance 0%). In terms of headcount, the short-term balance is -1%. Industrial product prices are estimated to go up in the first quarter of 2024 (short-term balance +21%).
In the construction sector, managers expect a moderate decrease in production volumes for the first quarter of 2024 (short-term balance -12%), during which time the number of employees will have a short-term balance of -9%.Construction work prices are anticipated to grow (short-term balance +32%).
In the retail trade sector, managers anticipate relative stability in the economic activity for the next three months (short-term balance +1%). The volume of orders logged with commodity suppliers by commercial units will post relative stability (short-term balance +3%). Employers forecast moderate growth in employee numbers for the next three months (short-term balance +10%). Commercial companies’ managers estimate retail sales prices to rise sharply (short-term balance +45%).
In line with January 2024 estimates, services demand (turnover) could remain relatively stable, from January to March 2024 (short-term balance -2%), as well as in the case of employee numbers (short-term balance -4%). According to managers, The selling or invoice prices of services will see an upward trend (short-term balance +12%).