During July, the construction became the star of the Business Confidence Index (ICE) produced every month by the Center for Studies in Economics and Business (CEEN) of the Universidad del Desarrollo: it rose 16 points compared to the previous month, which It allowed us to go from a neutral state – neither good nor bad – to a slightly optimistic one.

A performance that left it 38 points above the level seen a year ago – in the midst of a pandemic – thanks to recent favorable business results, even above expectations, as well as a greater willingness to hire workers.

In fact, in this important branch of the economy some of its actors have noticed a certain shortage of labor in specific functions.

Business confidence in the industry also improved once again starting the second part of the year to settle in the optimistic box (+9 points). Profit figures more positive than those forecast in this area were influenced by a better perception of national demand and the expected business situation for three months.

In the same period, mining said goodbye to a slight pessimism to reach a neutral state, that is, neither good nor bad. In addition to more auspicious results, in this case there was an expected improvement in the country’s economic situation and the hiring of workers for three months.

Trade completes this table of items with more favorable views with a slight optimism.