Economic sentiment steadies: Survey

Monday, 24 March 2025 04:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In its March edition, pioneering business magazine LMD reports: “The optimistic outlook [for the economy] prevails amid signs of a fragile investment climate.”

“Confidence in the economy remains strong in corporate circles, bolstered by yet another hike in business sentiment à la the LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI),” it adds.

According to PepperCube Consultants however, concerns about long-term growth and strategy loom large despite the healthier perceptions in corporate circles.

In the first week of February, LMD reports that 64% of survey participants expressed confidence about the economy ‘improving’ over the next 12 months, which reflects a six point increase from January.

LMD adds: “Notably, only 8% were optimistic about the economy in the lead up to the presidential election in September.”

It continues: “There’s been a major shift in sentiment among salespeople in February with an overwhelming 90% of polled executives saying they expect an improvement in their sales volumes over the next 12 months.”

This reflects a sharp 20% rise from January’s outcome, LMD notes.

“Looking ahead, expectations of higher sales volumes over the next three months have surged by 28 percentage points to 79% – up from around half (51%) in January,” the magazine observes.

LMD’s publisher, Media Services, says the latest edition of the magazine has been released and its digital edition has been shared on WhatsApp and the publisher’s social media platforms.

The magazine’s Cover Story features the outlook for the crucial export sector with leading industry figures weighing the pros and cons of the nation’s plans to meet its export targets. The full story has been uploaded on LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk).