GUS survey reveals economic outlook grows gloomier among businesses

The key business climate index fell to its lowest level since 1993 in November, as the poor economic outlook dampened companies' expectations for future demand, the Central Statistical Office (GUS) said yesterday. GUS, which calculates its three business indices as a percentage point difference between positive and negative answers from polled companies, said the key manufacturing index fell to minus 21 points from minus 18 in October. The cyclical construction climate index, which falls sharply during the winter months each year, tumbled to minus 19 points from minus four in October. The retail sector index eased to minus 25 points after holding stable at minus 22 for two straight months. (Reuters)