9th December 2022 – (Hong Kong) The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released today (December 9) the results of the Monthly Survey on Business Situation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) for November 2022.
The current diffusion index (DI) on business receipts amongst SMEs decreased from 45.5 in October 2022 in the contractionary zone to 44.0 in November 2022, whereas the one-month’s ahead (i.e. December 2022) outlook DI on business receipts was 48.4. Analysed by sector, the current DIs on business receipts for many surveyed sectors dropped by varying degrees in November 2022 as compared with previous month, particularly for the restaurants (from 47.6 to 44.0) and business services (from 48.8 to 45.7).
The current DI on new orders for the import and export trades decreased from 47.2 in October 2022 to 44.9 in November 2022, whereas the outlook DI on new orders in one month’s time (i.e. December 2022) was 47.7.
A Government spokesman said that overall business sentiment among SMEs remained generally soft. The current diffusion index on business receipts for SMEs declined slightly in November, though mixed performance was seen for different sectors. The expected business situation in one month’s time showed improvement.
Looking forward, the spokesman pointed out that the deteriorating global economic outlook and tightened financial conditions will continue to dampen business sentiment. Nonetheless, relaxed epidemic-related measures and the Consumption Voucher Scheme should render support to consumption-related businesses. It remains vital for the community to work together with the Government to contain the epidemic.