Economic sentiment shores up – survey

Monday, 21 April 2025 02:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In its April edition, leading business magazine LMD reports: “Economic optimism has reached a six-month high amid heightened business activity.”

“There’s been a groundswell surrounding the economic outlook among businesspeople, with the gauge of sentiment marking a six-month high in March. PepperCube Consultants says this reflects robust sales volume projections and increased activity,” it adds.

A spokesperson for LMD, speaking exclusively to the Daily FT, states: “A large proportion of companies are maintaining a positive, growth-oriented approach to business.”Meanwhile, PepperCube Consultants asserts: “The overall picture reinforces the perceived resilience of the economy.”

LMD reports that in the first week of March, 73% of LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey participants expressed confidence about the economy ‘improving’ over the next 12 months – which is a healthy nine point spike from February.

And according to the magazine, there has been “a shift in sentiment among salespeople, with 84% of polled executives saying they expect an improvement in their volumes over the next 12 months. This represents a six-point decline from February, when it rose by a massive 20% from the month prior.”

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 an exclusive interview with the recently elected Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) President, who responds to the magazine’s questions on how to address corruption and the increase in lawlessness, among other hot-button issues. The full story has been uploaded on LMD’s website (www.LMD.lk).