Fecomércio-RS revealed a consecutive marginal increase in the Commerce Confidence Index (ICEC-RS) in September 2023. The index rose to 111.3 points, an increase of 3.0% compared to the previous month. However, when compared to the same period last year, the index is still 7.2% lower.
Challenges and opportunities on the horizon
Despite the ongoing challenges, the president of Fecomércio-RS, Luiz Carlos Bohn, notes that trade confidence is recovering. He emphasizes the importance of realistic planning and assertive strategies focused on consumer needs to maximize results at the end of 2023.
Analysis of ICEC-RS components
The ICEC-RS is made up of three components: Index of Current Conditions of Commerce Entrepreneurs (ICAEC), Index of Expectations of Commerce Entrepreneurs (IEEC) and Investment Index of Commerce Entrepreneurs (IIEC). All three components showed a marginal increase in September 2023.
Current conditions and future expectations
The ICAEC increased by 4.3% compared to August 2023, reaching 85.5 points. However, it is still 14.7% below that recorded in September 2022. As for future expectations, the IEEC reached 140.2 points and increased 2.6% compared to the previous month.
Investments and hiring
The Employee Hiring Indicator recorded a consecutive increase in margin of 3.5%, reaching 123.6 points. This movement is in line with the reinforcement of teams with temporary employees for the end of the year.
For a more detailed economic analysis and complete data, see the full report.
