Business and Consumer Optimism Increased in the Second Quarter of 2018

Business optimism in the second quarter of this year increased. This is reflected in the Business Tendency Index (ITB) for Q2 2018, which stood at 112.82, higher than the Q1 level of 106.28. Improved business conditions and optimism were supported by increased business income and production capacity utilization. The highest business conditions and business optimism were observed in the electricity and gas supply sector, with an ITB of 126.77.

Similarly, consumer optimism also increased in the second quarter of this year. The Consumer Tendency Index (ITK) for Q2 2018 reached 125.43, higher than the previous quarter's 103.83. This increase in ITK indicates continued improvement in consumer economics, driven by rising incomes, controlled inflation, and increased household consumption due to the upcoming Ramadan and Idul Fitri.

In Q3 2018, business optimism is expected to increase further, but at a lower rate than the previous quarter. This is reflected in the projected ITB of 106.05. Similarly, consumer optimism is expected to decline, with the Q3 2018 ITK projected at 96.99. The end of Ramadan and the Idul Fitri celebrations are expected to lead to a decrease in both business and consumer optimism.