January 18 (SeeNews) - The business sentiment indicator for retail trade in Macedonia edged up by 0.1% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared the previous quarter, the country's statistical office, Makstat, said on Thursday.
Macedonia's business sentiment index in retail trade was 1.2% higher in the fourth quarter compared to the same quarter of 2016, the statistical data showed.
"The economic situation is less favourable in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2017, but more favourable compared to the same quarter of 2016. It is expected to be less favourable in the next two quarters," Makstat said.
According to company managers, the orders for the next period will decrease whereas the number of employees is expected to increase.
The selling prices in the fourth quarter of 2017 have slightly increased compared to the previous quarter, with a tendency to decrease in the next three months.
The main factors which influenced the business situation of companies in the fourth quarter of 2017 were: low demand with, increased competition at the market and shortage of competent staff.