BRUSSELS: Belgian business confidence rose by more than forecast to its best level in over a year in May, as managers in all economic sectors became more upbeat, the central Bank said.
The business confidence index, often referred to as the leading indicator, rose to -4.9 from -6.2 in April, beating even the most optimistic outlook in a Reuters poll of 11 economists which had produced a mean forecast of -6.0.
This was the best reading of the index since April 2014.
The mood among managers in the trade sector – which includes the sale of cars, shoes, food and other goods both for retail and wholesale – was the most improved.
Earlier this month, consumer sentiment in the euro zone’s sixth-largest economy jumped to a four-year high.
