Although they continue to sustain economic activity, exports have been affected by the less vigorous growth in world demand. In their responses to surveys, firms report a worsening of their short-term outlook and a deterioration in their assessment of investment conditions.
Domestic demand is weighed down by the weak trend in households’ disposable income, the slow recovery in employment, and the uncertainty about the economy’s prospects. The leading forecasters have reduced their expectations for growth next year; according to the International Monetary Fund, it will barely be positive.