(Bandar Seri Begawan, 18th) The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has released the Brunei Business Confidence Index (BSI) for April 2026, showing that overall business sentiment remains optimistic, but with significant divergence across different sectors.
The index is based on monthly surveys of about 500 micro, small, medium, and large enterprises across 11 economic sectors nationwide, aiming to gauge current and expected business environment, investment, recruitment, operating costs, and more, as one of the forward-looking indicators for macroeconomic trends.
BDCB pointed out that since its launch in August 2020, the BSI methodology has been revised to enhance the robustness and analytical value of the index. After the revision, the index now ranges from 0.0 to 100.0, with 50.0 as the neutral level, making the results more sensitive and readable. Previous data have also been recalculated using the new methodology to ensure consistency and comparability.
Data show that the sub-index for business conditions in April 2026 was 63.3, down from 76.2 in March, but still above the neutral level of 50, indicating that overall, companies remain optimistic.
The report states that most industries expect post-holiday business activity to increase, driven by resumption of operations, reduced holiday impacts, and continued project progress; however, the wholesale and retail trade sector is experiencing negative sentiment due to anticipated slowdown in consumer demand and rising input and logistics costs, further affecting market confidence.
The one-month forward index stands at 50.6, indicating that business environment in May 2026 is expected to be roughly the same as in April.
Investment performance is strong, with the sub-index for investment at 70.4 for the month, 79.0 for one-month ahead, and 78.5 for three months ahead, reflecting positive expectations among businesses regarding fixed asset upgrades, equipment renewal, infrastructure expansion, and technology investment, as well as plans for inventory increases and staff training.
The employment sector, however, is on a downward trend. The sub-index for employment this month is 43.6, lower than last month's 44.6, mainly due to natural attrition and cautious hiring strategies, including staff resignations, expired contracts, or non-renewal.
The enterprise cost sub-index rose to 79.8, higher than last month's 72.5, indicating that operating costs continue to rise, mainly due to increases in raw material and import prices, higher fuel prices, and increased logistics and transport costs.
In addition, global and geopolitical situations, particularly tensions in the West Asia region, have further exacerbated supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. At the same time, increased wages, inventory replenishment, and project expenditures have further pushed up overall costs.
BDCB stated that more information about the BSI can be found on its official website “[www.bdcb.gov.bn” for related statistics and methodological explanations.](http://www.bdcb.gov.bn”相关统计与方法说明。)
BDCB pointed out that since its launch in August 2020, the BSI methodology has been revised to enhance the robustness and analytical value of the index. After the revision, the index now ranges from 0.0 to 100.0, with 50.0 as the neutral level, making the results more sensitive and readable. Previous data have also been recalculated using the new methodology to ensure consistency and comparability.
Data show that the sub-index for business conditions in April 2026 was 63.3, down from 76.2 in March, but still above the neutral level of 50, indicating that overall, companies remain optimistic.
The report states that most industries expect post-holiday business activity to increase, driven by resumption of operations, reduced holiday impacts, and continued project progress; however, the wholesale and retail trade sector is experiencing negative sentiment due to anticipated slowdown in consumer demand and rising input and logistics costs, further affecting market confidence.
The one-month forward index stands at 50.6, indicating that business environment in May 2026 is expected to be roughly the same as in April.
Investment performance is strong, with the sub-index for investment at 70.4 for the month, 79.0 for one-month ahead, and 78.5 for three months ahead, reflecting positive expectations among businesses regarding fixed asset upgrades, equipment renewal, infrastructure expansion, and technology investment, as well as plans for inventory increases and staff training.
The employment sector, however, is on a downward trend. The sub-index for employment this month is 43.6, lower than last month's 44.6, mainly due to natural attrition and cautious hiring strategies, including staff resignations, expired contracts, or non-renewal.
The enterprise cost sub-index rose to 79.8, higher than last month's 72.5, indicating that operating costs continue to rise, mainly due to increases in raw material and import prices, higher fuel prices, and increased logistics and transport costs.
In addition, global and geopolitical situations, particularly tensions in the West Asia region, have further exacerbated supply chain disruptions and cost pressures. At the same time, increased wages, inventory replenishment, and project expenditures have further pushed up overall costs.
BDCB stated that more information about the BSI can be found on its official website “[www.bdcb.gov.bn” for related statistics and methodological explanations.](http://www.bdcb.gov.bn”相关统计与方法说明。)