---
source: European Commission
url: https://economy-finance.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d2316c53-1c0a-4350-b077-e4523fc4d08b_en?filename=bcs_2026_03_en.pdf
document_type: pdf
date_retrieved: 2026-03-30
period: March 2026
parent_publication: Business and Consumer Survey Results
indicators_covered: [Selling Price Expectations, Economic Sentiment Indicator, Employment Expectations Indicator, Consumer Confidence Indicator]
---

# Business and Consumer Survey Results, March 2026

## Summary

In March 2026, the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) declined in both the EU (-1.5 points to 96.7) and the euro area (-1.6 points to 96.6). The Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) also fell in both areas (EU: -1.3 points to 97.3, euro area: -1.4 to 96.4). 

Managers’ **selling price expectations** were sharply up in all four business sectors, and strikingly so in industry. Selling price expectations moved further beyond their long-term average in all business sectors. Consumers’ perceptions of price developments over the past twelve months increased moderately, but their expectations about price developments for the next twelve months surged.

## Latest Data Points (March 2026)

| Indicator | Region | March 2026 | February 2026 | Change |
|-----------|--------|------------|---------------|--------|
| Selling Price Expectations (Industry) | Euro Area | 19.7 | 12.3 | +7.4 |
| Selling Price Expectations (Industry) | EU | 18.1 | 11.5 | +6.6 |
| Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) | Euro Area | 96.6 | 98.2 | -1.6 |
| Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) | EU | 96.7 | 98.2 | -1.5 |
| Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) | Euro Area | 96.4 | 97.8 | -1.4 |
| Employment Expectations Indicator (EEI) | EU | 97.3 | 98.6 | -1.3 |

## Detailed Sectoral Selling Price Expectations (Euro Area)

- **Industry:** 19.7 (up from 12.3)
- **Services:** 20.9 (down from 21.0)
- **Retail Trade:** 5.3 (up from 2.9)
- **Construction:** 19.7 (up from 18.6)

## Consumer Price Expectations

Consumers' expectations about price developments for the next twelve months surged. The flash estimate of the consumer confidence indicator plummeted in both the EU (-3.4 pps) and the euro area (-4.0 pps) to -15.2 and -16.3 points respectively, reaching its lowest level since October 2023.

## Methodology Note
The surveys are conducted by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN). The indicators are seasonally adjusted (s.a.). The long-term average is 100.