Service Sector: Business Climate Indicator Falls

In the service sector the current business situation continued to improve, pushing the corresponding indicator to just over 20 points above its long-term average. In view of this positive situation, fewer service providers saw scope for improvement in the months ahead. The business climate continued to cool down as a result, but assessments remain favourable. Survey participants were more satisfied with their order backlog, but fewer expect demand to rise. Personnel plans remain growth-oriented, but to a slightly lesser extent than in previous months.