Business confidence dips slightly in PEI
Confidence among PEI business operators dropped slightly in December 2011, according to the latest survey data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. PEI's Business Barometer Index was 59.8, a small dip from last month's index of 63.8.
Confidence levels across the region were very similar with Prince Edward Island; Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick also scored 59.8. Nova Scotia's index, however, was lowest at 55.6.
The following are some highlights for Prince Edward Island:
- employment plans indicate that 78 per cent of respondents plan to maintain current levels of full-time employment, while 9 per cent plan to increase full-time employment and 13 per cent plan to decrease full-time employment;
- 48 per cent of business owners now say the overall state of business is 'good'; 43 per cent say it is 'satisfactory', and 9 per cent say it is 'bad'; and
- the main cost pressure on business continues to be fuel and energy (75 per cent), followed by taxes and regulations (62 per cent).
