The overall business climate indicator increased by 1.0 percentage points in December compared to the previous month, the monthly survey of the National Statistical Institute (NSI) shows. Industry and retail trade saw an increase, construction maintained its levels, while the services sector saw a decline. The uncertain economic environment remains the most serious challenge to business development. 

As a result of industrial entrepreneurs' more positive expectations for the next six months, the "business climate in industry" indicator increased by 2.5 points. However, construction contractors have reserved expectations for the next three months. 

The "retail business climate" indicator increased by 0.7 points. The positive assessment is mainly related to the sales volume in the last three months as well as to the expectations for the next three months. In contrast, in the services sector this indicator decreased by 1.1 points.