In February compared with the previous month, the seasonally adjusted confidence indicator in construction rose by 3 points to -8,5 due to more favourable evaluations of the overall level of orders. The current result is above the long-term average by 15,5 points.
Compared with the situation in the previous month, the indicator of the building activity trend over the past three months improved by 12 points to 6, mainly due to enterprises performing civil engiuneering. An increase of the construction activity was recorded by 3% of respondents, its decrease by 18% of respondents, and 79% of enterprises considered it to be unchanged.
Compared with January, the evaluation of the current level of overall orders improved by 8 points to -15, mainly due to enterprises performing civil engineering. 2% of respondents consider them to be more than sufficient, 76% to be sufficient and for 22% respondents the current level of orders was insufficient.
38% of respondents included weather conditions, 32% financial constraints, 31% insufficient demand, 30% shortage of employees and 18% lack of materials and mechanisms into the most significant factors limiting a growth of construction production currently. Respondents also report: a significant increase in the prices of building materials and a reduced demand associated with it, measures related to the coronavirus pandemic, lack of qualified staff and delayed execution of construction works. 13% of enterprises do not see any barriers of growth currently.
Expectations of respondents in estimation of the employment development deteriorated, the business balance of the expected number of employees, dropped by 2 points to -2. Over the next three months, 10% of respondents expect a decrease of employment, 80% expect a stable development and 10% of enterprises expect an increase.
Compared with January, the business balance of the expected construction production prices over the next three months decreased by 2 points to 47. A decrease in the price level of their own products is expected by 7% of respondents, 38% do not consider any price changes and 55% assume their increase.