2014.04.2405:02:00UTC+00Dutch Producer Confidence Weakens In April

Dutch producer confidence declined in April from a near three-year high in March, figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Thursday.

The producers' confidence index decreased to 0.3 in April from 1.1 in March, which was the highest score since June 2011. In February, the reading was -0.1.

Producers were less positive regarding expected activity in April and the corresponding indicator fell to 3.1 from 3.9.

Meanwhile, they were more negative regarding the order book balances and the relevant index eased to -3.5 from -3.

The assessment of the stock of finished goods deteriorated sharply and the corresponding index declined to 1.2 in April from 2.5 in March.

That said, the capacity utilisation improved for a fourth successive quarter and stood at 80.2 percent in April. A year ago, the rate was 75.6 percent, the lowest in four years, the agency said.