TIRANA, Jan 5 /ATA/ – Albania’s Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) slightly fell by 0.4 points in December, but remained about 6 percentage points above its long-term average, the central bank said on Monday.
The overall decline was driven mainly by weaker confidence in the services and industry sectors.
In services, the confidence indicator fell by 2.8 points, reflecting less optimistic assessments of current activity and demand. Employment expectations were revised lower, while prices are expected to rise.
In industry, confidence slipped by 0.2 points, largely due to expectations of lower export orders, partly offset by improved employment expectations, while product prices are seen remaining stable.
Confidence in the trade sector and among consumers was broadly unchanged. In trade, current activity was assessed less positively, but employment expectations improved. Consumers maintained their confidence, with mixed expectations for the economic and financial outlook.
Construction remained the most optimistic sector, with confidence rising by 4.5 points and standing 16.6 points above its historical average. The increase was supported by strong business activity and current orders, while expectations for future prices also rose.
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