In September compared with August, confidence indicator in trade increased by 5,7 percentage points (p.p.) to 22,7 as a result of positive evaluations of the current and also the expected business activities and the stock of goods.

88 % of respondents assessed the trend in business activities over the past three months as favourable or unchanged. The seasonally adjusted balance (36) increased by 3 p.p. compared with August. Positive evaluations (weighted by turnover) prevail in all sectors of retail trade, except the sale of motor vehicles, in all size groups and regions except Trenčín. The level of stock (3) decreased month-on-month by 2 p.p. and 95 % of respondents assess it to be normal to the season. 44 % of respondents plan to increase orders (by 13 % more than in the survey conducted in August), 15 % reported a decrease (by 5 % more) and 41 % of enterprises expect a stabilised development (by 18 % less). The final seasonally adjusted balance (25) in this indicator increased by 6 p.p. in this indicator. Respondents will increase orders in all sectors of retail trade, in all size groups except enterprises employing 20 to 49 people and in all regions. Compared with the previous month, respondents were more optimistic when evaluating the expected business activities over the next three months, therefore in September, the balance (35) increased by 12 p.p. An increase of business activities is expected by 46 % of enterprises (by 11 % more than in the survey conducted in August), 48 % of enterprises assume a stable development (by 11 % less) and 6 % of respondents expect a decrease (unchanged situation). Positive evaluations prevail in all sectors of retail trade, in all size groups and regions. Compared with August, a decrease in the employment development is assumed, the seasonally adjusted balance remained at the value 21. The majority of respondents (62 %) do not expect any changes, 30 % expect an increase in the number of employees and 8 % expect the decrease of employment. The increased number of employees is planned in all sectors of retail trade and in all size groups, except enterprises employing 20 to 49 people. In territorial terms, the number of employees will be increased in all regions, except Trnava, Trenčín and Banská Bystrica. When evaluating the expected development of prices, the majority of respondents (74 %) assume it will remain unchanged, which is an identical situation as in the previous month. An increase of prices is assumed by 23 % of respondents (by 1 % less than in the survey conducted in August) and a decrease by 3 % of enterprises (by 1 % more). The final balance (19) decreased by 3 p.p. compared with the previous month. In spite of that, respondents assume a price increase in all sectors of retail sale, except the repair of motor vehicles, in all size groups and in all regions.