CE Barometer November 2010: No change

November saw little change in the sentiment on European construction activity, although it remained positive, and edged up from the position in October.

The industry was still up-beat about future prospects, with a balance of +41,8% of respondents saying they expected activity to be higher in a year's time than today. This was an improvement on October's figure of +32,6% and returned this measure of confidence to back to the levels that were seen in the late summer, and indeed earlier in the year.

However, the weakness in sentiment was shown by the indicator for month-on-month activity, which was still relatively low with a positive balance of +9,2%. Although this was an improvement on October's figure of +5,0% and September's +5,8%, it was still some way from the more emphatic results seen in the spring and summer.

But respondents were still emphatic that the industry was in a healthier position than a year ago, with a balance of +25,5% of saying they were busier this November than they were a year ago. After lower results in the September and October surveys, November saw this measure of confidence regain the highs seen over the summer.

Once again, it is important to stress that the that the CE Barometer only shows the way the markets are moving, and what proportion of respondents are feeling that change. It does not and cannot give any indication of how volumes, or the value of work compare to previous highs or lows.

Take part

CE would like to thank all those that took part in the November survey. It was completed by more than 300 construction professionals in 30 countries around the region.

The survey, which takes just a one minute to complete, is open to all construction professionals working in Europe. The CE Barometer survey is open from the 1st to the 15^th of each month on our website. Full information can be found at www.cebarometer.eu