Opinion Surveys - SUR

Opinion survey data provide timely evidence of perceptions and expectations to economic conditions. Questionnaires from qualitative opinion surveys consist of a small set of questions, asking the respondent to indicate whether an economic condition (e.g. assessment of the current business situation) has improved, has remained unchanged or has deteriorated when compared with the previous situation. Business opinion surveys are conducted in different areas of economic activity (manufacturing, construction, services, retail trade) and are addressed to senior executives whereas consumer opinion surveys are based on a sample of private households. Besides qualitative questions on assessments, some opinion surveys include quantitative questions as well.