Wholesaling: Firms More Cautious About Business Outlook

The business climate indicator for wholesaling fell in June. This was due to a deterioration in the six-month business outlook, and while the majority of assessments remained confident, they were markedly less positive than previously. As far as the current business situation is concerned, by contrast, survey participants are somewhat more positive than in May. In the months ahead the drivers boosting prices are expected to weaken. Very few wholesalers still plan to increase their ordering volumes and personnel plans remain restrictively oriented on balance.