Still under the breath of economic recovery, the construction industry recorded its best February in ten years, announced today (21) the National Confederation of Industry (CNI). Last month, the sector activity indicator stood at 48.2 points, the highest level for the month since 2012, when it was at 49.4 points.
Despite the improvement, the indicator continued below the 50-point line, which indicates a drop in activity. According to the CNI, the drop in activity is normal for the period.
In relation to the index that measures employment in the construction industry, the indicator stood at 49.2 points. Even below the point that indicates growth, the indicator is also at the best level for February since 2012. Regarding investment intention, the index rose 1 point, to 44.6 points, and is at the highest level for February since 2014.
According to the CNI, the drop in activity and hiring in relation to January is part of what is expected for February. However, the approach of the indices to the 50-point level indicates a less widespread and less intense decline. The utilization of operational capacity reached 65% last month, which, according to the entity, indicates a historically high level.
Despite the good performance in February, the expectations of entrepreneurs in the construction industry began to feel the effects of inflation and instability in the world economy. The construction industry’s Business Confidence Index (Icei) dropped 1.3 points to 55.3 points. As it is above the 50-point line, which separates confidence from lack of confidence, the index indicates that construction entrepreneurs are still confident, although optimism has receded a little.
395 companies were interviewed for the Construction Industry Survey between March 3 and 11. Of this total, 143 are small, 172 medium and 80 large.
