The survey includes small companies as well as larger firms and multinationals. By sectors, the study covers consumption, industrials and materials.
UBS concluded that accumulated figures for investment are hardly encouraging, given that just 8% of European companies intend to increase their capex. However, looking at the results by countries, it is significant that Italy and Spain top the list with 17% and 16%, while France and Germany’s investment intentions are under 1%.
As far as sectors go, results are also diverse. Consumption and industrials registered the most significant estimation of investment with 17% and 6% respectively. In contrast, the net result for materials is in negative territory at 23%. With regard to financing investments, the surveyed companies suggested they prefer to use profits instead of credit.