DATEV MITTELSTANDSINDEX
Second quarter starts with declining sales
Although the DATEV SME Index adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects rose by 2.3 points compared to the previous month to 93.5 points, there is still no growth compared to the previous year: After a weak first quarter, the decline in turnover continued in the beginning of the second quarter with a nominal decline in turnover of 0.9% in a seasonally and calendar-adjusted year-on-year comparison. However, the decline in sales in almost all sectors was significantly lower than in the previous month. Only the retail sector remained at the previous month's level.
The wage index rose by 0.5 points to 114.2 points in April compared to the previous month, adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects. Compared to the same month last year, this corresponds to a nominal wage increase of 4.4%. This means that wage and salary growth is still above the general price trend and therefore remains a relevant cost factor for companies.
Adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects, the employment index fell to 100.7 points in April compared to the previous month. Compared to the previous year, this represents a decline of 1.3%. While employment in medium-sized companies fell only minimally, small companies in particular recorded a significant drop in employment.
