Business Optimism in Q4 2018 Expected to Decline Again

Business optimism in the third quarter of 2018 declined. This is indicated by the Business Tendency Index (ITB) of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for the third quarter of 2018, which stood at 108.05, lower than the previous quarter's 112.82. Although business optimism decreased, business conditions remain positive because the ITB is still above 100, indicating continued business growth.

Business conditions in the third quarter of this year remained quite positive, as evidenced by three indicators remaining above 100. First, the business revenue index at 111.36. Second, the production capacity utilization index at 110.8. And third, the average working hours index at 102.

Business optimism in the fourth quarter of 2018 is expected to decline further. This is evident from the ITB for the last quarter of 2018, which is projected to fall to 106.45, lower than the previous quarter. Although business optimism is predicted to decline, business conditions are still expected to grow. This is reflected in the ITB remaining above 100.