Entrepreneurs still upbeat on future prospects

Business confidence in the Netherlands is at the same level now as at the beginning of the previous quarter, reports Statistics Netherlands. It is remaining positive for the sixth consecutive quarter. Confidence further increased in trade and construction. Confidence in wholesale and retail trade increased further, and retailers are mostly positive about future revenues again. The sentiment is boosted by growing consumer spending. Wholesalers also have a positive revenue outlook due to favorable development in the economic climate. This is in line with growth in exports and higher investment. Entrepreneurs are also relatively positive about employment in their company. The vacancy indicators is at the beginning of the second quarter at almost the highest in the last four years. In the course of 2014, the number of vacancies increased steadily and reached 95 thousand in the first quarter of 2015. The services confidence fell after a sharp rise in the first quarter but is still positive.