Belgium's business confidence improved more than economists expected in May after staying virtually unchanged in the previous month, data released by the National Bank of Belgium showed Friday.
The business confidence index dropped to -12.4 in May from -14.7 in April. Economists had forecast a reading of -14.
Confidence improved in the manufacturing industry for the second month in a row, helped by a more favorable assessment of stock levels and a brighter outlook for employment.
Sentiment improved more markedly in business-related services, with both the recent level of activity and expectations about business activity and general market demand turning more positive.
The building industry recovered considerably during the month, helped by more intensive use of equipment and a favorable development of both the trend in and level of order books.
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.