Particularly affected is the trade sector, where companies are increasingly looking to cut their investment expenditure. The investment expectations for the current year have shifted from a positive 3.7 points to a negative 3.5 points, further declining to minus 14.6 points for 2024.

In contrast, companies in the manufacturing sector appear more optimistic. Most intend to slightly increase their investments this year and the next. However, there has been a notable reduction in their investment plans for this year, with the balance dropping from 21.4 points in March to 6.8 points in November. This suggests a desire to invest more, albeit not as much as initially planned, as per the survey.

The downturn is most pronounced in energy-intensive industries, which have seen their balance fall from plus 9.1 points to minus 9.2 points. The chemical industry, in particular, has seen a dramatic adjustment, with expectations dropping from plus 13.9 points in the spring to minus 15.6 points. Non-energy-intensive industries also witnessed a decrease in expectations, from 22.3 points in March to 12.6 points in November.

Looking ahead to the next year, investment expectations in manufacturing are relatively stable at 6.6 points. Energy-intensive industries show a glimmer of hope with a slight increase in investment expectations to plus 3.7 points. However, non-energy-intensive manufacturing sectors are expected to see a decrease in investment, with the balance falling to 11.2 points.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)