The business climate has strengthened in all branches of activity surveyed, albeit more modestly in the manufacturing industry. In this sector, business confidence is back above levels seen before the eruption of the health crisis (in February 2020). This is not yet the case in the building industry or business-related services, or even less so in the trade sector, where economic conditions are still lagging far behind.

The year 2020 was marked by an unprecedented crisis due to the coronavirus. To find out more about the economic, financial and monetary consequences and reactions, consult the NBB's Annual Report.

Consumers have appeared clearly more optimistic about the likely trend on the job market. On the personal front, they have revised their expectations about their financial situation downwards a little and their savings intentions somewhat more.