The Trade Entrepreneur Confidence Index (Icec) grew 12.2% in May compared to April. This was the first high of the year and came after five consecutive falls.

The information was released yesterday (17), in Rio de Janeiro, by the National Confederation of Commerce of Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC).

In comparison with May last year, business confidence increased by 47.6%.

From April to May, the main increase was observed in the item current conditions, which grew 19.3%, driven by greater satisfaction with the current situation of the economy (29.3%). Expectations regarding the future increased by 11.6%. Investment intentions rose 8%.

Compared to May 2020, there were increases of 71.8% in the assessment of current conditions (with an increase of 137% in confidence in the economy), 53.9% in expectations and 26.5% in intentions of investment.