Hong Kong SME sentiment stays broadly stable in October
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 7 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong’s Census and Statistics Department said its October survey showed small and medium-sized enterprise sentiment was broadly stable, with the current business receipts diffusion index edging up to 43.8 but remaining below the 50-point threshold associated with expansion. The one-month-ahead business receipts expectations index stood at 46.8, easing slightly from a recent high. Within the major sectors, the import and export trade segment recorded an improvement in its current index to 44.9. A government spokesman also said the trend index for overall employment improved for a second consecutive month, while external uncertainties could still weigh on short-term sentiment.
Key Points
- The Census and Statistics Department released the October SME business situation survey on 10 November, covering current conditions and one-month expectations.
- The current business receipts diffusion index rose marginally to 43.8 in October, but stayed in contraction territory below the neutral 50 level.
- The forward-looking business receipts expectations index for the next month was 46.8, slightly softer than its recent high.
- In import and export trade, the current business receipts index increased from 43.3 in September to 44.9 in October
- New orders in import and export trade improved from 44.3 in September to 44.6 in October, while the next-month outlook reached 47.4
Why It Matters
The figures suggest that many smaller firms are still facing pressure on revenue even though conditions have not worsened materially and hiring sentiment has improved. For Hong Kong readers, that points to a business environment supported by the city’s stronger economic performance this year, but still vulnerable to overseas uncertainty in the near term.