The National Bank of Ukraine reports that in November businesses provided restrained assessments of their economic performance due to losses from intensified strikes on critical infrastructure, power supply disruptions, rising costs, limited logistics and a shortage of skilled workers. This was stated by the NBU. The Business Activity Expectations Index fell to 49.4, down from 50.3 in October, but remained above the level of November last year (47.2).
Trade companies remained the most optimistic for the ninth consecutive month, posting a sectoral index of 53.8. Construction firms maintained neutral expectations at 50.0, supported by budget funding for infrastructure and steady domestic demand. The services sector slightly improved its assessment to 49.1, while industry continued to show the weakest sentiment at 46.8 due to damage from strikes, electricity shortages, rising production costs and staffing deficits.
Labour market conditions remain unstable: only the trade sector expects to expand its workforce, whereas industry, construction and services anticipate staff reductions. The survey was conducted from 4 to 21 November among 592 enterprises across four key sectors of the economy.