BURNING ISSUES
DUAL CHALLENGES PERSIST
Sentiment is constrained by the twin challenges of taxes and the economy
High taxes continue to dominate the narrative in business circles, emerging yet again as the chief concern for the 10th straight month. In November, 46 percent of polled executives cited high taxes as their primary concern, though this marks a notable 15 point decrease from October (61%).
In the latest LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey, workforce standards emerge as the second major concern, identified by nearly four in 10 (39%) respondents – that’s a nine point increase from the month prior.
Inflation climbs to third place on the anxiety threshold with 31 percent of participants citing it as a key concern – up five percentage points compared to October.
According to the exclusive poll conducted in the first week of November, brain drain ranks No. 4 with less than a quarter (23%) of the sample population saying so. And interest rates were mentioned by 18 percent as a continuing source of concern.
On a national scale, a large majority (77%) continue to view the economy as the country’s foremost issue, reflecting a mere one point decline from October. And anxiety over the cost of living eased slightly with half (50%) viewing it as a burden – down two points from 52 percent in the previous month.
Meanwhile, the education system rose sharply in the ranking of burning issues, moving to third place; it was cited by three in 10 (30%) respondents, which represents a substantial 17 percentage point spike.
Brain drain follows in fourth place with 21 percent expressing worry while the lack of security amid a spate of shootings was mentioned by more than one in 10 respondents (11%).
