Industrial companies reported flourishing business as well as higher export expectations in the period, GKI said. Confidence in the retail sector also improved slightly, with a positive view of inventories and a more active order policy. Confidence in the construction industry was also up on the month, with an optimistic view of production and order stock as well as a more positive outlook for hiring.
Consumer confidence also grew slightly during the month, reaching its highest level since March this year. Consumers were content in September both with their own financial situation and that of the economy as a whole, but they expected deterioration in the economy's performance in the coming year, including an upturn in inflation. At the same time, consumers perceived a decline in unemployment, and reported increased willingness to save.
Consumer confidence strengthened in six of Hungary's seven statistical regions, most dynamically in the southern Plains region. Household confidence was highest in central Hungary, at -21.9, while it declined only and was consequently lowest in the northern Plains region at -26.4.
