As per results of the survey of companies’ business expectations, the National Bank notes that the business expects for the consumer price decrease, on the average, by 15.6% and the average exchange rate at 29.44 UAH/USD within next 12 months, as it is said in the report on survey’s results, posted on the NBU’s Official Website, Finance.UA reports.

The National Bank conducted the corresponding survey of company executives in Q1 2017.

In general, the respondents improved their expectations on the macroeconomic situation in Ukraine and development of their companies within the next 12 months.  

Within the next 12 months, they expect for: the continuation of growth of volumes of the production of goods and services in Ukraine – balance of expectations – 6.1% (in 4 quarter 2016 – 11.1%); revival of business activities – index of business expectations will increase to 113.3% (in quarter 4 – 108.7%).

The index increase occurred mainly due to the increase of respondents’ forecasts regarding the total volumes of sales of products, financial and economic situation in the company as well as the revival of expectations regarding the increase of the number of employees.

The respondents also expect for the slowdown of inflations rates – the growth of consumer prices by 15.6% (in quarter 4 – 16.2%); insignificant strengthening of devaluation processes – average value of the hryvnia exchange rate – 29.44 hryvnia/dollar (in 4 quarter – 29.16 hryvnia/dollar).

According to the survey, the increased demand in loan funds is forecast.

The companies plan to take out bank loans mainly in national currency.

Too high prices for energy resources, raw materials and materials were specified as the main negative factors of development of companies.

673 companies from 22 regions of the country, representing the economy on main business lines, forms of ownership, number of employees, took part in the survey.