Our latest International Business Report (IBR) research reveals
that global business optimism has fallen to a three-year low in the
first quarter of 2016. A potent combination of fragile financial
markets, volatility in oil prices, concerns over terrorist attacks
and regional issues including the prospect of a Brexit and the US
Presidential race means the majority of regions have reported
uncertainty in their economic outlook. Expectations for revenue,
exports and R&D investment have also fallen. We urge businesses
to look beyond the current uncertainty and continue to invest for
future growth.
Our research reveals that global business optimism fell to net
26% in Q1, the lowest quarterly figure since Q4 2012. The trend is
evident across the globe, including the G7 (down 7 percentage
points in Q1), EU (down 4pp), North America (down 6pp), Latin
America (down 16pp) and Asia Pacific (down 10pp).
