Economic confidences edges up for the first time in over a year

Confidence in the Czech economy rose in March according to the monthly survey carried out by the Czech Statistical Office. It is the first time sentiment has improved since February 2008. Confidence rose by 1.7 points compared with February but the index is still 33 points lower over the last 12 months. The index was set at 100 in 2005. The survey showed a mixed outlook about the next months from different sectors of the economy. Construction and services see a continuing slowdown in activity but trade and industry detect signs of a pick up over the next three months.