Business confidence improved while consumer confidence stagnated

According to to economic think-tank GKI's combined and seasonally adjusted index measured -17.3 percent in February compared to -19.7 in January.

Business sentiment improved from
-9.7 percent in January to -6.7 percent in February. The
manufacturing index improved in February, with a positive outlook for
production output and orders, although a slight downturn for exports
was also noted. Companies' own stocks fell considerably while
expectations of new hires improved.
After a heavy fall in January,
the retail-sector index registered a big gain in February, but was
still low compared to other sectors. The outlook on sales
improved.
Fewer businesses reported plans of raising their prices
in February, and most who did plan a hike were from the milling,
leather and shoe and chemicals industries.
Consumer expectations
on the economy were unchanged from January. Households' expectations
of their financial situation showed a slight downturn from January,
but were much better compared to February 2006. The ability to make
savings in the short-term stagnated but fears of unemployment
improved. Inflationary expectations also improved among households,
GKI said.