The National Bank of Belgium (NBB) released its business survey on Monday. The business climate rose to -2.4 in April from-4.2 in March. Analysts had expected the index to increase to -4.0.

2 of 4 indicators climbed in April.

The business climate index for the manufacturing sector was up to -4.9 in April from -7.9 in March due to a more favourable assessments of total order books.

The business climate index for the services sector fell to 10.8 in April from 11.2 in March due to a less favourable assessment of the current activity and a downward revision of forecasts for general market demand.

The business climate index for the building sector increased to -3.2 in April from -3.9 in March due to a more favourable assessment of current order books.

The business climate index for the trade sector dropped to -7.2 in April from -4.1 in March due to pessimism, which weighed on all components of the indicator.