Business and Consumer Optimism Index Q1 2019 Declines

Business and consumer optimism in the first quarter of 2019 declined. This is reflected in the release of data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showing that the Business Tendency Index (ITB) and the Consumer Tendency Index (ITK) in the first quarter of this year were lower than in the previous quarter.

The estimated ITB for the first quarter of 2019 fell to 103.54 from 104.71 the previous month, indicating a decline in business optimism, although it still shows an increase as the index is above 100. Improvements in business conditions occurred in 14 business sectors.

Similarly, the ITK in the first quarter of this year fell to 104.03 from 110.54 in the previous quarter, indicating a decline in consumer optimism. However, it still shows an increase because the index is above 100.