Wholesaling: Business Situation Develops Positively

The business climate in October improved slightly after clouding over considerably for three months in succession. This was due to more favourable assessments of the current business situation. As far as developments over the next six months are concerned, however, survey participants remained sceptical. Inventory overhangs were lowered and wholesalers will take a more relaxed approach to ordering in the future. Moreover, more survey participants plan to increase prices. On balance, personnel plans remain oriented towards marginal cutbacks.