The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam published Brunei Darussalam’s Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for October 2025, based on a survey of about 500 businesses across 11 sectors. The Current Business Conditions sub-index came in at 50.4, signalling modest month-on-month optimism, while the one-month-ahead index eased to 49.9, indicating slightly pessimistic expectations for November 2025. Improved current conditions were linked to higher sales and orders, seasonal demand, new and ongoing project awards, new clients and marketing activity, with sector-specific support from higher insurance and takaful contributions, stronger tourism and event bookings, and improved poultry and agricultural sales. Offsetting factors included slowing demand for some firms (notably export-dependent companies), competition for project opportunities and weather-related disruptions. The Investment sub-index was 50.4 in October, with expectations of further increases at 50.6 one month ahead and 50.6 three months ahead, driven by project activity, renovation and expansion, system upgrades, equipment purchases and inventory restocking, while noting dependence on approvals and business performance. Employment stood at 49.9 for both the current month and one month ahead, reflecting slight headcount declines driven by resignations, retirements and contract expiries alongside replacement hiring plans; some micro and small businesses cited difficulties recruiting foreign workers. Costs were 50.4 in October and 50.0 one month ahead, pointing to higher current operating costs that may stabilise, with increases attributed to production and project spending, marketing, maintenance, and higher import, shipping and rental costs. By sector, sentiment was most optimistic in Oil and Gas Related (50.6) and Transport and Communication (50.5), while Construction (49.9), Wholesale and Retail Trade (49.9), Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Livestock (49.8) and Health and Education (49.4) were below 50. By firm size, Large businesses were positive (50.4), Micro and Small were neutral (50.0 each), and Medium were slightly pessimistic (49.9).
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam 2025-12-17
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam publishes October 2025 Business Sentiment Index showing slightly improved current conditions but marginally weaker one month outlook
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam released the Business Sentiment Index for October 2025, showing modest optimism with a Current Business Conditions sub-index of 50.4, while the one-month-ahead index declined to 49.9. Improved conditions were driven by higher sales, new projects, and sector-specific growth, offset by slowing demand and competition. Investment expectations remain positive, but employment and cost indices indicate slight declines and stabilizing costs.