Overview
The Business Expectations Survey measures firms’ general business outlook for the next six months, as well as their operating revenue/output and employment outlook for the next three months. The findings are used by the government and the business community in policy making and business planning.
Statistics on business expectations of the services and manufacturing sectors are compiled by the Singapore Department of Statistics and Economic Development Board respectively.
Our Data Explained
Glossary
Business Expectations
The Business Expectations Survey is conducted quarterly (i.e., one month before the reference quarter). This survey aimed to obtain the business outlook for the immediate future of firms.
Net Weighted Balance
Used in the measure of Business Expectations, to indicate the likely overall direction of change of a particular activity or industry. Net weighted balance is calculated by taking the difference between the weighted percentages of 'ups' and 'downs'.
Firms indicate “up” if they expect an increase of at least 5 per cent, and “down” if they expect a decrease of at least 5 per cent.
A positive net weighted balance indicates an upward trend while a negative net weighted balance indicates a downward trend.
Operating Revenue
Refers to income earned from business operations. For the Services industry, operating revenue includes income from services rendered, sale of goods, commission fees and rental of premises, machinery and equipment.
Time Horizon of Sentiment Questions
The general business outlook is based on expectations for the next 6 months, compared to the previous 6 months.
The operating revenue outlook and employment outlook are based on expectations for the next 3 months, compared to the previous 3 months.