Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam publishes April 2025 Business Sentiment Index with current conditions at 49.9 and one-month-ahead at 50.1

The Central Bank of Brunei Darussalam released the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for April 2025, a monthly survey-based measure of business confidence covering more than 500 firms across 11 sectors and all districts. The Current Business Conditions sub-index was 49.9, indicating slightly weaker sentiment than the previous month, while the one-month-ahead reading rose to 50.1, signalling marginally more optimistic expectations for May 2025. Other sub-indices pointed to mild expansion plans alongside near-term caution. The Investment sub-index stood at 50.3 for April and 50.1 for both one-month-ahead and three-month-ahead, linked to planned system upgrades, purchases of machinery and equipment, and expansion or renovation activity. Employment registered 50.2 in April but dipped to 49.9 one month ahead, reflecting expectations of seasonal hiring giving way to contract expiries and some downsizing. Costs were 49.9 in April and 50.1 one month ahead, with lower raw material prices and operational costs expected to reverse as projects resume and import costs face potential tariff-related pressures. By sector, six of 11 industries recorded optimistic readings above 50, led by Health & Education at 50.6, while Wholesale & Retail Trade was weakest at 49.6 and Real Estate & Ownership of Dwellings held at 50.0. By firm size, medium-sized businesses were optimistic at 50.2, micro firms were unchanged at 50.0, and small and large businesses were slightly pessimistic at 49.8 and 49.9.