Business activity expectations have slightly improved.

As reported by the National Bank, the index of expectations of business activity in August increased to 44.1 from 43.6 in July. Industrial enterprises improved their economic expectations. The sectoral index was 46.7 in August compared to 43.1 in July. Construction enterprises also increased their performance estimates from 35 in July to 41.2. At the same time, trade enterprises have worsened expectations but are still close to neutral. The index was 47.4 compared to 48.7 in July. Enterprises in the service sector had the most restrained ratings. The index deteriorated to 39.6 from 41.9 in July. The National Bank added that enterprises in all sectors are forecasting an increase in the price of their products or services resulting from rising prices for raw materials and suppliers’ goods.