In February 2022, confidence indicator in trade continued in the slightly upward trend, when it rose by 3% to the value 21. Respondents evaluate the current situation as favourable, also due to the expected release of anti-pandemic measures.

Respondents' opinions on the trend of business activities over the past three months continued to shift from negative to positive evaluations. After seasonal adjustments, the balance (20) increased by 5 percentage points (p.p.). Positive evaluations (weighted by turnover) predominate mainly in retail trade outside stores, stalls and markets and in the retail trade of other goods in specialized stores.

The level of the goods stock (-8) decreased month-on-month by 3 p.p. and 86% of respondents assess them to be normal to the season.

The level of evaluation of the requirements for suppliers, further grow after seasonal adjustment, it reached the value 43 (a growth by 15 p.p.). Entrepreneurs assume higher requirements for suppliers in retail sale in non-specialized stores and in retail trade of other household goods in specliazed stores. The equal level is mainly due to the opinions of respondents from the retail sale of motor vehicles and retail sale of other goods in specialized stores.

When evaluating the expected business activities over the next three months, the respondents continued to be slightly optimistic, as a result of which the balance rose (35) by 1 p.p. A increase of the business activities is assumed by 37% of respondents, 6% of them expect a decrease and the majority of respondents (57%) assume a stable situation. Optimistic opinions prevail among respondents in retail sale of other goods in specialized stores.

In February, expectations on employment slightly deteriorated. The seasonally adjusted balance (14) is lower by 1 p.p. than last month. As many as 6% expect a decrease in the number of employees and 78% of respondents do not expect any changes.

Compared with the previous month, the evaluations on the expected development of prices changed significantly, as many as 56% of respondents assume higher goods prices. The seasonally adjusted balance (55) increased by 19 p.p., compared with January. Respondents expect a price increase especially in repair of motor vehicles and sale of spare parts. Stabilized prices were reported by respondents especially in retail sale of other goods in specialized stores.