According to the survey conducted between 26 August and 16 September 2021 among Italian industrial and service firms with 50 or more employees, assessments of the general economic situation in the third quarter improved further, and so did firms' expectations regarding their own operating conditions over the next three months. Assessments of the trend in current demand point to an expansion in both the domestic and foreign components that looks set to continue in the fourth quarter.
The assessments of investment conditions remained favourable, at historically high levels, and those pointing to growth in investment spending in the current year were confirmed. Firms in all sectors expect an increase in employment in the fourth quarter, with a more favourable outlook for larger companies.
Consumer price inflation expectations rose moderately, but remain below 2 per cent over all forecasting horizons. Firms revised their own selling prices upwards and expect further growth over the next 12 months.
