Confidence Indices in April: Recovery in Construction, Decline in Services and Retail

Cumhuriyet reports on the latest economic confidence indices released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) for April 2026. The data presents a mixed picture for Turkey's economy, with a notable rebound in the construction sector contrasting with a downturn in services and retail trade.

The construction sector's confidence index rose by 3.6% to 83.6, indicating a more optimistic outlook for builders and related industries. This uptick is attributed to an increase in the sub-indices for current orders and future employment expectations, suggesting a potential stabilization or growth phase for this vital sector.

However, the services and retail trade sectors present a more somber outlook. The services sector saw its confidence index dip by 3.1% to 109.7, with declines in both current business situation and demand for services. Similarly, the retail trade sector experienced a 1.8% decrease, bringing its index to 111.6. While these indices remain above the 100-point threshold, signaling general optimism, the downward trend warrants attention and suggests underlying challenges in consumer spending and service demand.

From a Turkish perspective, these figures reflect the ongoing volatility and sector-specific dynamics within our economy. While the construction sector's recovery is a positive sign, potentially driven by government initiatives or specific market demands, the slowdown in services and retail highlights concerns about domestic consumption and the broader economic climate. Cumhuriyet will continue to monitor these trends, providing analysis that contextualizes these figures within Turkey's unique economic landscape and policy environment.