PH business optimism drops

optimism in the Phil quarter of 2016 from a quarter ago based on overall expectations about selling prices and energy costs, although there was some slight improvement in companies’ revenue and hiring outlooks.

This is the result of a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 36 economies from Grant Thornton’s International

optimism for the Philippine economy in the next 12 months quarter of 2016 from 84 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Business expectations were down in the field of selling prices at 34 percent from 62 percent, and employment at 42 percent from 60 percent.

Firms also noted that rising energy costs are a major constraint to the economy for the year ahead.

Nevertheless, expectations for rev - search and development investment in the Philippines have improved.

Globally, business optimism has dropped to its lowest level in three years with most regions the survey said.

Business optimism fell to net fourth quarter of 2012.

The research also found that a potent combination of fragile financial markets, volatility in oil prices, concerns over terrorist attacks, and political uncertainty - dential race have led to the majority of regions globally reporting a fall in their economic outlook.

“The G20 finance ministers’ meeting this week will be extra cautious when considering measures to jumpstart the economy, given the whirlwind conditions dragging down business and mar chairperson and chief executive of

“However, there is a risk we could talk ourselves into a global downturn when in fact, moments like this present longer-term opportunities. The most dynamic and from external factors out of their control distract them from looking at their own operations, and they continue to invest in the pursuit of growth years down the line. Without investment now, businesses curve when conditions overhead improve,” she added.

The negative trend is evident across the globe, including the

However, the survey said across other measures including revenue are bucking the trend and reporting increased expectations for the next few months.

- nesses in Asia Pacific, business optimism fell from 31 percent in the fourth quarter of 2015 to 21

“The message from businesses across Asia Pacific is that their outlook for the economy has weakened in the last three months. A range of external factors will have played their role, not least the -

However, she noted that when businesses look internally at their own operations, the outlook is much brighter.

“Despite the wider uncertainty, - prospects for revenue and employment plans. Much of the sentiment across the region is linked to activity in China and while growth there is still expected to cool, there is a broad feeling that the pace and the

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