The Central Bank of Aruba published the results of its Business Perception Survey for the first quarter of 2026, showing a decline in business sentiment. The Business Perception Index fell 3.7 percentage points to 104.3, driven by weaker readings for both expected short-term economic conditions and current economic conditions. The expected short-term economic conditions index dropped 5.6 points to 102.4, while the current economic conditions index fell 1.9 points to 106.0. Despite the decline, both measures remained above the neutral level of 100. Businesses also became less positive about economic growth over the next 12 months. The share of respondents expecting negative growth rose 11.8 percentage points to 14.3%, while the share expecting positive growth fell 9.6 percentage points to 42.9%. At the same time, 51.5% of respondents reported an increase in employment, up 9.0 percentage points, 91.0% reported profits, up 1.0 percentage point, and 39.4% reported improved current investment activity, up 4.4 percentage points. For longer-term conditions, 37.1% expected inflation to be above 3% over the next 12 months.
Central Bank of Aruba2026-06-19
Central Bank of Aruba reports first quarter drop in business sentiment as growth expectations weaken
The Central Bank of Aruba's first quarter 2026 Business Perception Survey showed the Business Perception Index fell 3.7 points to 104.3 as both short-term and current economic conditions weakened, although both remained above neutral. Growth expectations deteriorated, with fewer firms expecting positive growth and more expecting negative growth. At the same time, more respondents reported rising employment, profits and improved investment activity.