KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 27): The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) has indicated that the business outlook for the fourth quarter of 2024 (4Q2024) remained positive, with the Business Confidence Index (BCI) reaching nearly 105 points.

It said key drivers include stable production and sales, improved employment levels, increased wage costs, rising investments, and enhanced efficiency in capacity utilisation.

“Most firms are optimistic about the business outlook for the next three months due to Malaysia’s favourable image.

“MIER’s Malaysian Business Condition Index for 4Q2024 is expected to reflect growth in sales, production, employment and wage costs,” it said in its 3Q2024 Business Conditions Survey Report.

The BCI highlighted positive trends in employment and sales, signalling resilience and strong recovery potential.

In the report, MIER said the overall sales performance in 3Q2024 was positive.

“On a year-on-year basis, it showed the index rose by 8.9 points to 52.8 in 3Q2024 versus 43.9 points in 3Q2023,” it said.

MIER said the employment index showed a positive trend, rising yearly by 14.3 points to 56.5 in 3Q2024 compared to 42.2 in the previous corresponding quarter and improving quarter-on-quarter from 47.6 in 2Q2024.

It said overall investment also experienced an increasing trend, with a year-on-year gain of 18 points to 68.0 points in the 3Q2024, up from 50.0 points in the 3Q2023.

“More than 70% of firms operating in both domestic and export markets reported stable investment levels for their companies.

“13% of firms that operate in domestic markets also reported a stable investment level for their companies,” it added.

https://www.theedgemarkets.com/node/735649