Bandar Seri Begawan:The Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has released the Business Sentiment Index (BSI) for September 2026, reflecting the perspectives of approximately 500 businesses across 11 economic sectors in Brunei Darussalam. This index, which measures business confidence, covers current and future business conditions, investment, employment, and operational costs.
According to Brunei Darussalam Central Bank, the newly revised BSI methodology now utilizes a full scale from 0.0 to 100.0, with neutrality redefined between 45.0 and 55.0. This change enhances the index's sensitivity and interpretability, allowing for clearer identification of sentiment shifts. Historical data has been recalculated using this revised methodology to maintain consistency over time.
In September 2026, the headline index for Current Business Conditions was 63.2, signaling optimism driven by stronger customer demand and sales, recovery from school holiday periods, and successful promotional events. The one-month ahead sub-index stood at 50.5, indicating stable expectations for October. Investment sub-indices were firmly positive, with the current month index at 79.0, reflecting increased machinery purchases and project-related expenditures. Employment was also strong at 74.8, driven by recruitment needs, while costs were higher at 65.9 due to increased spending on materials and logistics.
Sectoral analysis revealed optimism in oil and gas (70.2), health and education (66.3), and construction (63.0), among others. Conversely, sectors like real estate (42.9) and wholesale and retail trade (40.4) showed pessimism. In terms of business size, large businesses showed optimism with an index of 64.4, while medium-sized businesses faced challenges, reflected by an index of 32.8.
Further detailed information and updates on the BSI can be accessed on the BDCB website and its Instagram account.