- Domestic demand figures bounced back during Q4 2016, but remain negative overall, as more businesses reported a decline than an increase in both domestic sales and orders.
- Export demand continued to fall during Q4 2016, with both sales and orders reaching their lowest recorded Capital 500 level.
- The Capital 500 employment figures picked up during Q4 2016, following record lows in the previous quarter.
- Following a decline during the previous two quarters, there has been an increase in the number of companies planning to invest in training during Q4 2016.
- For all analysed business costs, more companies reported an increase than a decrease during Q4 2016. In addition, all balance figures went up compared to last quarter.
- The balance for both cashflow and investment in plant and equipment improved compared to last quarter, but remained negative overall.
- Capital 500 companies’ expectations for the next 12 months stabilised during Q4 2016.
- Following five consecutive quarters of declining balance figures, there has been an uptick in expectations for the UK as well as the London economy.