Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) yesterday released the Brunei Darussalam’s Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for November 2023, based on surveys conducted on over 500 micro, small, medium, and large businesses from 11 economic sectors in all four districts.
There are nine sub-indices within the BSI. The main headline index, the Current Business Conditions sub-index, was 50.1.
“This indicates that, in general, businesses in the private sector expected a slight improvement in business conditions compared to October 2023. A few businesses shared expectations of improved production and higher demand for their goods and services due to the year-end holidays and also in preparation for the new year for some sectors,” the BDCB said in a press release.
“There were also some expectations of increased orders, projects and contracts being awarded, while those not expecting new projects would focus on ongoing projects. The index for one month (1M) ahead stood at 50, indicating an expectation of a similar level of business activities as November 2023.
“However, some businesses expressed optimism about more consumer spending due to the bonus season, while others shared concerns that most people would travel abroad in December 2023.”
The Investment sub-index was 50.1 for the current month, 50.1 for 1M ahead, and 50.2 for three months (3M) ahead.
“This indicates that, generally, businesses are expected to increase their investment expenditures in November 2023 and the next few months,” the release said.
“These investment expenditures include renovating offices and stores, as well as purchasing new vehicles, office equipment, project-related materials, equipment, and machinery. Many businesses highlighted the need to stock up inventories in preparation for upcoming festivities such as the royal wedding ceremony, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri.”
The Employment sub-index was 50.5 for November 2023 as well as for 1M ahead.
“In general, businesses planned to increase their employee headcount for November and December 2023,” the BDCB said.
“These companies continued to hire additional workers to prepare for upcoming year-end events and new projects/contracts, as well as to replace those who had resigned.”
The Costs sub-index was 50.4 and 49.7 for 1M ahead.
“Companies generally expected the costs of running their businesses to be higher in November 2023 following an anticipated increase in staff-related expenses, especially on new hires, overtime pay, and salary increases.
“In general, companies continue to face higher operating costs due to several factors, including increases in material prices; purchase of raw materials; marketing and event-related expenses; and maintenance and repair works. Due to the increased expenses in November, businesses expected costs in December 2023 to be relatively lower.”
In terms of economic sectors, four out of 11 sectors recorded optimism in their business conditions.
The finance and insurance sector recorded the most optimism, with an index of 50.4 attributed to ”higher demand for their products and services”, while the oil and gas related sector indicated slight optimism due to “higher activities compared to the previous month”.
The transport and communication sector and Other Private Services sector “also felt optimistic with expectations of increased business activities, with the latter attributing their optimism to new contracts/projects”.
However, five sectors recorded slight pessimism.
The construction sector anticipated “lower activities and a reduced workforce”, whereas the health and education sector expected “lower revenues compared to the previous month”.
The wholesale and retail trade, and hotels and restaurants sectors expected “lower domestic sales as cross-border travel increased”, while the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and livestock sector cited “unpredictable weather, lower production and reduced consumer demand”.
The manufacturing, and real estate and ownership of dwellings sectors reported similar business conditions to October 2023.
In terms of the index by business size, micro- and medium-sized companies reported expectations of better business conditions in compared to the previous month.
“These businesses felt positive regarding their performance with expectations of more projects and orders,” the press release said.
Meanwhile, small and large businesses reported similar business conditions in November 2023 to the previous month.
The monthly index is designed to measure the level of business confidence/sentiment in the country, covering various aspects, including current and future business conditions; investments; employment of workers; as well as costs of running the businesses.
“Therefore, the BSI serves as a leading macroeconomic indicator with its forward-looking element,” the central bank said.
For the Business Conditions sub-index, above 50 indicates expansional optimism compared to the previous month, 50 indicates similar/no change while below 50 indicates contraction/less optimism.
For Investments sub-index, above 50 indicates increased investment compared to the previous month, 50 indicates similar/no change, while below 50 indicates reduced investment.
For the Employment sub-index, above 50 indicates more new hires compared to the previous month, 50 indicates similar/no change while below 50 indicates a reduction in employee headcount.
