Belgium's business confidence rose in January, after declining slightly in the previous month, survey data from the National Bank of Belgium showed on Friday.
The business confidence index climbed to -5.6 from -6.4 in December. Economists were looking for a score of -5.7.
Significant improvement was witnessed in morale in the trade sector, with the corresponding index surging to -0.3 from -6.3. Demand forecasts showed the strongest advance among all components, the survey said.
In manufacturing, sentiment improved with the relevant measure adding 1.5 points to reach -6.2. The improvement was driven by favorable assessment of order books and a revival of demand expectations.
Confidence weakened in business services sector and the index fell to 4 from 6.5. This was due to less positive expectations regarding general market demand and business activity.
In the building industry, the confidence weakened for a second straight month and the indicator dropped to -14.3 from -13.5. The weakness was attributed to both the unfavorable development and the levels of order books.
The capacity utilization rate in manufacturing rose to 79 percent from 77.1 percent, marking a third successive increase in the use of production capacity.
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