In December, the KOF Economic Barometer fell by 2.6 points to 96.3 points compared with November (revised to 98.9 points from 99.1 points). The main drivers of this development stem from indicators belonging to the producing sector (manufacturing and construction). In addition, a weakly negative signal is sent by the financial sector and private consumption. Favorable export prospects, on the other hand, cushion this downward tendency.

The gloomier mood of the producing sector is driven by various factors. Negative prospects for incoming orders and the purchase of intermediate goods are a major factor here. The indicators for actual production development and the number of employees also reinforce this impulse.