HELSINKI, May 27 (Xinhua) -- The confidence indicator of Finnish industries dropped from 14 in April to 13 in May, according to the latest survey by the Finnish Confederation of Industries.

       Finnish industries largely maintained "a wait-and-see" attitude, Sami Pakarinen, director of the confederation said.

       The construction sector was especially hard-hit due to the recent steep increase in costs, Pakarinen said.

       Despite the difficult environment, industrial companies remained more optimistic than Finnish consumers: in May the consumer confidence indicator scored -11.6, according to the statistical office of Finland.

       "The trend is downward though, as has been indicated in the latest economic prognoses as well," Pakarinen said.