After reaching the worst level of the historical series, in April 2020, the Industrial Entrepreneur Confidence Index (Icei), measured by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), registered a series of increases and reached 61.6 points in September , 4.6 percentage points more than in August. However, even after five consecutive increases, the indicator is 3.1 points below that recorded in the month immediately preceding the covid-19 pandemic, in February, when it was at 64.7 points.

Icei is composed of the Current Conditions Index and the Expectations Index. Both indicators registered an increase. These indicators range from 0 to 100 points. When they are above 50 points they show that entrepreneurs are confident. Values below 50 points indicate a lack of entrepreneur confidence.

With an increase of 7.8 points compared to August, the Current Conditions Index reached 54.7 points in September. Crossing the 50-point dividing line, the index reflects the perception that the economic situation, especially in relation to its own business, is better compared to the last six months. In the past five months, the assessment was negative.

The Expectations Index increased 3 points in comparison with August, to 65.1 points in September. The new level portrays more optimistic and more widespread expectations among industrial entrepreneurs for the next six months. Since May, the index has shown recovery, and since July it has remained above the 50-point dividing line, which separates optimism from pessimism.

For CNI, in general, businessmen perceive that the economy is recovering and with the increase in confidence, the industry must return to hire workers and invest.