Belgium’s business confidence barometer rose 1.0 point to -7.9 in September 2025 from -8.9 in August, reaching its highest level since April 2023. The improvement was led by the building industry (-5.8 vs -9.4), which recorded a third consecutive monthly gain as orders grew and assessments of order book levels improved, with residential construction posting the strongest advance. Manufacturing (-10.4 vs -10.5) edged up slightly, supported by upward revisions in demand and employment expectations. Meanwhile, business-related services returned to positive territory (0.1 vs -0.5), and trade sector sentiment strengthened (-7.2 vs -8.3) on the back of higher expectations for supplier orders.