A quarter of the survey sample believes that economic conditions are likely to remain the same in the 12 months ahead whereas 31% have a more pessimistic outlook in this regard.
Where sales volumes are concerned, long term sentiment is in line with the prior month with 68% of survey participants pointing to improved business prospects in the next year.
Nonetheless, as businesses begin to gradually revamp operations, the share of respondents who anticipate short-term ( i-e. in the next three months) improvements in sales volumes has increased to 34% ( compared to 27% in June).
As for positive sentiment regarding business performance compared to the prior year, it has fallen to 5% (from 15% in the previous month) amid the reality of doing business in the post-COVID-19 era.
Confidence in the investment climate remains unchanged with a mere 6% of businesspeople saying this is a good time to invest in the country.