After five months of decline, the confidence of small businesses in the economy grew again in February, according to a survey released this Thursday (9) by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) and the Getulio Vargas Foundation ( FGV). All surveyed sectors – industry, commerce and services – recorded improvement in expectations.
According to the Survey of Micro and Small Companies, the general confidence index of the companies surveyed was 88.4 points, with an increase of 3.8 points in relation to January, when it was at 84.6 points. Indicators above 100 points show confidence and, below that level, signal pessimism.
The main factor that contributed to the improvement in expectations was the performance of the manufacturing industry. The indicator for the sector closed at 94 points, up 4 points. The food and clothing segments increased. On the other hand, confidence fell in refining and chemical products, and metallurgy and metal products.
In commerce, the confidence index of micro and small companies increased from 81.8 points to 86.3 points. The indicator for trade is at the highest level since last November. According to Sebrae and the FGV, all trade segments improved this month, especially vehicles, motorcycles and parts (auto parts stores and small dealerships).
Regarding services, the confidence index rose 1.2 points, to 86 points, interrupting a sequence of five months of decline. Of the five segments surveyed, four followed the rise in the sector, with emphasis on information and communication services. The only branch of services that went against the grain was transport, whose confidence fell for the sixth time in a row, with a drop of 7.4 points.
