Construction (Germany):
Improved equipment utilisation rate

In construction the dissatisfaction of the firms with their business situation weakened somewhat. In residential construction, which for some time has suffered from an especially weak business situation, the current situation was appraised not quite so negatively. Both in structural and in civil engineering, order reserves were less frequently seen to be, on balance, as insufficient as in March. The equipment utilisation rate rose to 69%, thus approximately matching the previous-year level. The firms having expected a clear expansion of building activity in January and February, they are now a little more cautious in their plans. Nevertheless, they assessed their business outlook for the coming half year more confidently, overall. Optimism prevails especially in commercial construction where positive business development is expected.