The confidence of small businesses in the economy remained stable in September, revealed a survey released today (11) by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) and the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV). Despite stability, performance varied across sectors, with trade and services offsetting the pessimism of small industries.
According to the Survey of Micro and Small Enterprises, the general confidence index of the surveyed companies was 100.4 points, with a decrease of only 0.2 point in relation to August. Indicators above 100 points show confidence and, below that level, signal pessimism.
The main factor that contributed to the stability in expectations was the performance of the manufacturing industry. The indicator for the sector closed at 96.2 points, with a drop of 4.8 points. This was the third consecutive month of decline. According to the survey, small industries are pessimistic because of the increase in inventories and the perception of a worsening of the current economic situation.
The other sectors surveyed remain optimistic about the economy. The confidence index of micro and small commercial enterprises grew 1.6 points, to 100.8 points. The indicator for trade is at its highest level since December 2018, when it had reached 102.7 points.
Regarding services, the confidence index rose 0.9 points to 101.5 points. According to Sebrae, policies such as the release of R$ 1,000 from the Severance Indemnity Fund (FGTS) and the anticipation of the thirteenth for retirees continue to stimulate consumption in commerce. In the services sector, the improvement in confidence is mainly due to the reduction in costs caused by the fall in inflation and the improvement in economic activity.
