The Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) announced on Thursday that confidence indices across major sectors of the economy displayed mixed trends in December, with gains recorded in services and retail trade, while the construction sector experienced a decline.

According to the statement, the seasonally adjusted confidence index in the services sector increased by 0.4 percent, rising to 112.3 compared to the previous month. The improvement reflects a relatively positive outlook among service sector operators regarding business conditions and demand.

The retail trade sector also showed notable momentum, with its confidence index rising by 1.1 percent to 115.4. This increase signals strengthening expectations among retailers, potentially driven by consumer demand and year-end commercial activity.

In contrast, the construction sector confidence index declined by 0.5 percent, falling to 84.5 in December. The decrease indicates continued challenges and cautious sentiment within the sector, which has been facing pressures related to costs, financing conditions, and overall demand.

Overall, TurkStat’s latest data points to a divergence in sectoral confidence, with services and retail trade maintaining positive momentum, while construction remains under strain as the year draws to a close. (ILKHA)