In June compared with May, confidence indicator in trade increased by 0,3 percentage points (p.p.) to 22,3 as a result of positive evaluations of expected business activities.

97 % of respondents assessed the trend in business activities over the past three months as favourable or unchanged. The seasonally adjusted balance (38) decreased by 3 p.p. compared with May. Nevertheless, positive ratings (weighted by turnover) prevail in all sectors except sales of motor vehicles, in all size groups and in all regions, except the regions Trenčín and Košice. The level of stock (14) increased month-on-month by 5 p.p. and 81 % of respondents assess it to be normal to the season. 43 % of respondents plan to increase orders (by 6 % less than in the survey conducted in May), 4 % reported a decrease (by 4 % less) and 53 % of enterprises expect a stabilised development (by 10 % more). The final seasonally adjusted balance (35) in this indicator increased by 3 p.p. in this indicator. Respondents will increase orders in all sectors of retail trade, except sale of motor vehicles, in all size groups and all regions, except the regions Trenčín and Košice. Compared with the previous month, respondents were more optimistic when evaluating the expected business activities over the next three months, therefore in June, the balance (43) increased by 9 p.p. Positive evaluations prevail in all sectors of retail trade, except sale of motor vehicles, in all size groups and regions, except Košice. Compared with May, a decrease in the employment is assumed, the seasonally adjusted balance decreased by 2 p.p. to 14. The majority of respondents (65 %) do not expect any changes, 25 % expect an increase in the number of employees and 10 % expect the decrease of employment. In spite of that, the number of employees is expected to be increased in all sectors of retail trade and in all size groups. In territorial terms, the number of employees is expected to be increased in all regions, except Trenčín, Banská Bystrica and Prešov. When evaluating the expected development of prices, the majority of respondents (65 %) assume that the trend will remain unchanged, which is by 1 % less than in the previous month. A price increase is assumed by 31 % of respondents (by 2 % less than in the survey conducted in May) and a decrease by 4 % of enterprises (by 3 % more). The final balance (26) decreased by 1 p.p. compared with the previous month. In spite of that, respondents assume a price increase in all sectors of retail sale, except sale and repair of motor vehicles, in all size groups, except enterprises employing 20 to 99 people and in all regions, except Košice.