DATEV MITTELSTANDSINDEX
Slight increase in sales in November
The DATEV SME Index for sales rose slightly in November: adjusted for seasonal and calendar effects, the sales index rose by 1.7 points to 93.0 points. Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to an increase of 0.5 percent. Almost all sectors recorded increases in sales, particularly the service sector and the construction industry. Only the hospitality industry continues to struggle with significantly declining sales. Micro-enterprises continue to be affected by declines in sales. In contrast, small businesses recorded a slight increase in sales and medium-sized businesses a significant increase. However, this development does not yet represent a reversal of the trend, but should primarily be seen as a stabilization of sales at a low level. Industry-specific and structural challenges continue to hamper economic development in the SME sector.
The wage index rose by 0.4 points to 116.6 points in November after seasonal and calendar adjustments. This corresponds to a nominal wage increase of 4.6 percent compared to the previous year. There was a particularly noticeable increase in the manufacturing sector due to a base effect. Overall, wages and salaries continue to grow faster than consumer prices.
The employment index fell by 0.5 points to 100.1 points in November after seasonal and calendar adjustment. This represents a year-on-year decline of 1.7 percent. All sectors are affected by this negative development, with the construction and manufacturing industries being hit hardest. While employment is stagnating among medium-sized companies, micro-enterprises and small businesses in particular are recording significant declines.
