The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam published the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for September 2025, indicating slightly weaker sentiment as the Current Business Conditions sub-index came in at 49.9 and the one-month-ahead reading for October 2025 also stood at 49.9. The monthly BSI is based on a survey of about 500 businesses across 11 sectors and all districts, and covers business conditions, investment, employment and costs. The central bank linked the softer headline reading mainly to weak customer demand and a slowdown after earlier projects were completed, partly offset by seasonal factors and firm-level initiatives such as promotions and new product launches. Investment expectations were marginally positive (50.4 current, 50.5 one month ahead, 50.6 three months ahead), while employment remained broadly stable but cautious (49.9 current and one month ahead) and costs edged up (50.1 current, 50.3 one month ahead). By sector, Health and Education and Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Livestock were the most optimistic at 50.5, while Transport and Communication was weakest at 49.1; by firm size, medium firms were slightly optimistic at 50.1, micro and small firms were neutral at 50.0, and large firms were marginally below neutral at 49.9.
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam 2025-11-07
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam publishes September 2025 Business Sentiment Index with current conditions at 49.9
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam's Business Sentiment Index for September 2025 showed slightly weaker sentiment, with the Current Business Conditions sub-index at 49.9. The decline was due to weak customer demand and a slowdown post-project completion, partially offset by seasonal factors and firm-level initiatives. Investment expectations were marginally positive, while employment remained stable but cautious, and costs increased slightly.