Companies Put Off Investment, Hiring Plans Even as Business Confidence Rises

While the business leaders' confidence in the IoD's latest monthly sentiment survey has improved slightly from -67 in April to -60 in May

Companies Put Off Investment, Hiring Plans Even as Business Confidence Rises

A recent survey by the Institute of Directors (IoD) reveals that companies are putting off their investment and hiring plans amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, driven by low business confidence. While the business leaders’ confidence in the IoD’s latest monthly sentiment survey has improved slightly from -67 in April to -60 in May, it still remains well within the negative territory indicating pessimism.

Meanwhile, hiring intentions and investment plans sank to record lows during May even as the lockdown eases and business begin to resume normal operations. The IoD recommends the government offer tax breaks and grants to support companies emerging from the crisis and attempting to update their business models in the aftermath of the pandemic.

Tej Parikh, chief economist at IoD, observes, “It’s too early to say we’ve turned the corner. Revenue isn’t expected to pick up, which means investment and hiring plans are very much on hold.”

Several business surveys have indicated an improvement in business activity from April to May as lockdown measures began to be lifted. According to a recent Reuters poll, economic output during April is expected to have contracted by more than 20% YoY as a result of the lockdown.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR See More
Arslan Butt
Index & Commodity Analyst
Arslan Butt serves as the Lead Commodities and Indices Analyst, bringing a wealth of expertise to the field. With an MBA in Behavioral Finance and active progress towards a Ph.D., Arslan possesses a deep understanding of market dynamics.His professional journey includes a significant role as a senior analyst at a leading brokerage firm, complementing his extensive experience as a market analyst and day trader. Adept in educating others, Arslan has a commendable track record as an instructor and public speaker.His incisive analyses, particularly within the realms of cryptocurrency and forex markets, are showcased across esteemed financial publications such as ForexCrunch, InsideBitcoins, and EconomyWatch, solidifying his reputation in the financial community.

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