Respondents' opinions on the trend of business activities over the past three months were more pessimistic in December than last month. After seasonal adjustment, the balance (9) dropped by 28 percentage points. Negative evaluations (weighted by turnover) prevail mainly in retail sale of motor vehicles and in retail sale of automotive fuel in specialized stores.
The level of the goods stock (-8) decreased month-on-month by 2 p.p. and 85 % of respondents assess them to be normal to the season.
The level of evaluation of the requirements for suppliers, dropped to the level 22 (decrease by 15 p.p.), after seasonal adjustment. Entrepreneurs assume lower requirements for suppliers in the retail sector of ICT equipment in specialized stores and in retail sale of other household goods in specialized stores. The equal level is mainly due to the opinions of respondents from retail sale of food and beverages in specliazed stores and in retail sale in non-specialized stores.
When evaluating the expected business activities over the next three months, the respondents were more pessimistic than last month, as a result of which the balance dropped (29) by 11 p.p. A decrease of the business activities is assumed by 18 % of respondents, 32 % of them expect an increase and the majority of respondents (50 %) assume a stable situation. The most balanced opinions prevail among respondents in retail sale in non-specialized stores.
Expectations on employment slightly improved in December. The seasonally adjusted balance (8) increased by 1 p.p., compared with November. Even 78 % of respondents do not expect any changes in the number of their employees.
In December the opinions on the expected development of prices had a slightly downward trend. The seasonally adjusted balance (38) decreased by 3 p. p. Respondents expect a price decrease especially in retail sale of goods for culture and recreation in specialized stores. Stabilized prices were reported by respondents in retail sale of other goods in specialized stores.