According to the business managers surveyed by the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies of France in March 2021, the business climate in services has recovered sharply. At 95, the business climate indicator that synthesizes it has gained 6 points and has returned to its level of September 2020 but stands still below its long-term average (100).
In March 2021, business leaders are more optimistic overall than in the previous month. The balance of opinion on the general outlook for the sector activity has bounced back sharply; it has almost reached its long-term average. The balance on expected demand for the next three months and the one on expected activity has also bounced back but remain below their respective average.
Similarly, the balance of opinion on activity over the past three months has improved again in March but without recovering its long-term average.
The balance of opinion on the recent change in selling prices has decreased very slightly and the one on the expected change in selling prices has increased a little. They remain below their average level.
About employment, the balance of opinion on the change in workforce size over the last three months has recovered sharply but remains well below its average. Regarding the balance on expected workforce size, it has increased slightly for the fourth consecutive month but also remains below its average.
The balance of opinion on investment, both past and expected, have increased again but remains below their average level.
During the reporting period, the business climate in services has improved to varying degrees in all service sub-sectors. Some subsectors' business climates have even returned above their long-term average.
In the road freight transport as well as in real estate activities, the business climate has improved again, more sharply than in February and has gone above its average. In information and communication, the business climate has recovered and has reached its average level.
In professional, scientific, and technical activities and in administrative and support services, the business climate has improved significantly: the composite indicator has bounced back sharply but stands still below its average.
In accommodation and food services, a sub-sector among the most affected by the health measures, the business climate has improved sharply. At 76, the indicator has gained 10 points but stands still at a very low level. The balances of opinion on the general outlook for the sector activity and on expected activity have advanced in March but remain well below their average level.
