‘Disappointing’ drop in BCI not a signal of protracted recession despite GDP contraction

The RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI) fell from 42 to 39 in the third quarter, with 61% of the 1 200 senior executives surveyed in August unsatisfied with prevailing business conditions. Confidence among retailers and wholesalers remained comparatively high, while a notable improvement in sentiment among new vehicle dealers partly offset a 17-point deterioration in building confidence.