Belgium's business confidence deteriorated more than economists expected in May, after improving in the previous month, data released by the National Bank of Belgium showed Friday. The business confidence index dropped to -13.2 in May from -11.2 in April, partly owing to a significant downward revision of the outlook for employment and demand. Economists were looking for a reading of -12. Confidence in the manufacturing industry weakened notably during the month, with the relevant indicator falling to -15.8 from -12.4 in the previous month. The sub-index that measures confidence in the business-related services industry edged down to -3 in May from -2.7 in April. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs in the construction sector were less pessimistic about their businesses in June. The corresponding indicator moved up to -12.1 from -14.1 in April. The trade confidence index advanced to -11.7 from -12, data showed.