BURNING ISSUES
Taxes continue to rank high in business circles as the foremost concern, marking the 13th consecutive month it has topped the list of burning issues. In February, 52 percent of surveyed executives identified high taxes as their primary concern – that’s a four percentage point increase from January.
In the latest LMD-PEPPERCUBE Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey, inflation retains its position as the second most pressing concern.
TWIN PEAKS CLOUD PSYCHE
Twin anxieties continue to cast a shadow over business and national sentiment
In February, 52 percent of surveyed executives identified high taxes as their primary concern
Nearly a third (31%) of respondents flagged inflation as a major issue, reflecting a one point decrease compared to the previous month.
Workforce standards held steady for the third consecutive month at No. 3 with 29 percent of participants expressing concern, representing a three percent rise from January.
According to the exclusive poll conducted in the first week of February, state sector red tape returned to prominence and is cited by 20 percent of respondents. Brain drain rounded out the top five issues; it was highlighted by 16 percent of the sample population.
On a national scale, the economy remains the dominant concern with a clear majority of participants (61%) identifying it as the country’s foremost challenge – a two point increase from January.
And the cost of living continues to rank second, cited by 39 percent of respondents – a two percentage point decline from the previous month.
Meanwhile, concerns surrounding the education system – particularly the disruption caused by repeated school openings and closures – climbed to third place in February. One in five (20%) respondents flagged this, marking a notable seven point spike.
The political culture moved up to fourth place with 17 percent expressing concern, while brain drain rounded out the top five – it was cited by 16 percent of those surveyed.
– LMD
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