Economic fundamentals strong as widespread uncertainty fuels global optimism drop

BANGKOK - Following a period of heightened optimism and strong economic growth, the outlook for businesses in 2019 is markedly more reserved as the global economic cycle cools and political uncertainty begins to bite, according to the latest research from Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR).

The research, which gathers responses biannually from 5,000 business leaders in 35 economies including the G20, found that global optimism is now sitting at net 39%, a significant fall of 15pp from 54% in Q2 of 2018, and the weakest score since Q4 2016.

Economic uncertainty is identified by business leaders as the biggest risk, peaking at 50%, a rise of 22pp from Q2 2018. This rise can be partly attributed to geopolitical tensions such as the US/China trade war and the upsurge of populist sentiment in many major western economies such as Italy and Spain.

European sentiment has dropped 18pp to 28% since Q2 2018, and in the UK, optimism has plummeted to 9% as the spectre of Brexit looms large. Revenue expectations are in sharp decline at net 41%, down from net 59% and profitability expectations also took a hit, down globally at net 39%, a decrease of 9pp.

Optimistic about the future

However, it’s not all bad news and despite the spike in uncertainty, over 60% of respondents were either optimistic or very optimistic about the future. This is reflected in export expectations with only 11% expecting a decrease and 84% of leaders expecting revenues to either stay the same or increase.

Despite the ominous global outlook and slowdown in GDP growth for many advanced economies, emerging APAC* and Latin American have broadly bucked the prevailing gloom. For example, optimism in emerging APAC is at 57%, reflective of the increasing regional economic integration and collaboration between south-east Asian countries and a reducing reliance on trade with China whose economic slowdown is beginning to have knock on effects.

David Peneycad, global leader, Grant Thornton International says: “While global financial markets are increasingly volatile, business leaders in the real economy remain optimistic because global GDP is forecast to continue growing and they know their business will grow with it. Despite increasing down side risk, economic fundamentals remain strong and opportunities exist.”

Traditionally, in times of economic uncertainty, additional expenditure and investment seems counter-intuitive and many businesses tend to shore up their operations and significantly reduce or cease investment. However, this is a time when investing in capabilities and infrastructure can pay dividends and, when the economy turns, prudent businesses can react with speed to take advantage.

David Peneycad says: “As the economic cycle cools, it’s clear that business globally won’t have it as good as they did in 2018. However, with the IMF predicting global economic growth of 3.5% in 2019, there is not a clear consensus about the probability or timing of a global recession. What we are seeing is a return to normality with more balanced and sustainable growth for economies.”

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Notes to editors:

International Business Report
The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) is a survey of both listed and privately held businesses. Launched in 1992, the IBR now provides insight into the views and expectations of more than 10,000 businesses across 35 economies.

Questionnaires are translated into local languages and fieldwork is undertaken on a biannual basis, through both online and telephone interviews. The data for this release is from interviews conducted in November 2018 with chief executive officers, managing directors, chairperson or other senior executives from all industry sectors.

More information: www.grantthornton.global/en/insights/Navigating-the-global-economy

About Grant Thornton Thailand

Grant Thornton (Thailand) is a leading advisory firm with more than 270 experts who provide professional business consultancy on audit and assurance, tax and legal, advisory, business process solutions, talent acquisition management and other services enhancing our clients’ success. We provide integrated knowledge and skills, including the linkage and access to our global Grant Thornton network. We focus on our clients’ goals and achievement, including value added services, good relationship and teams, marking Grant Thornton as the leading consultancy firm for truly business growth. For further information, please visit www.grantthornton.co.th

Emerging APAC
Emerging APAC is defined by the IBR as mainland China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.