The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam published the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for December 2025, a monthly survey-based measure of business confidence across 11 sectors and all districts. The Current Business Conditions sub-index rose to 50.3, slightly above the neutral 50 threshold, while the one-month-ahead business conditions index was 50.2 for January 2026. Sub-indices showed investment at 50.4 for the current month, 50.6 one month ahead and 50.3 three months ahead, reflecting expectations of higher investment tied to year-end project completions and preparations for upcoming festivities. Employment remained mildly negative at 49.9 for both the current month and one month ahead, with headcount pressures linked to staff turnover, contract expirations and project completions, partly offset by hiring expectations in some sectors. Costs were 50.3 in December and 49.8 one month ahead, with December increases attributed to bonus payments and project-related expenditures and moderation expected as operations normalise. At sector level, the most positive readings were Transport & Communication (50.9) and Oil & Gas Related (50.5), while Health & Education (49.4) and Other Private Services (49.5) were weakest. By business size, large (50.3) and medium (50.1) firms were marginally optimistic, with micro and small businesses at 50.0.
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam 2026-02-20
Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam releases December 2025 Business Sentiment Index with business conditions at 50.3 and employment at 49.9
The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam released the Business Sentiment Index for December 2025, showing a slight rise in business confidence with the Current Business Conditions sub-index at 50.3. Investment expectations are positive, while employment remains slightly negative due to turnover and contract expirations. Transport & Communication and Oil & Gas Related sectors showed the strongest confidence, whereas Health & Education and Other Private Services were weaker.