Picture: Doctor Ngcobo/African News AgencyBusiness confidence in eThekwini Municipality surged to 63.01 in 2024 Q3 from 55.49 in the previous quarter 2024 Q2, as the municipality enjoyed uninterrupted electricity supply like the rest of the country. which presents the mood or sentiment of business people that conducting their day-to-day business in the eThekwini Municipality area.
Business confidence in the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing sectors increased from 40.12 in 2024 Q2 to 70.3 in 2024 Q3. For the 2024 Q3, only 8.2% of the participants raised concerns about electricity-related services in the eThekwini Municipality, therefore business confidence in electricity, gas and water supply sector improved.
The construction sector also experienced an increase in business confidence increasing from 61.59 in 2024 Q2 to 68.91 in 2024 Q3, a 11.88% increase and 359.4% increase year-on-year. The industry experienced 12.61% increase from 68.29 points in 2024 Q2 to 76.90 in 2024 Q3 while the community and social services industry had a 10.67% decline in business confidence.For the financial intermediation, insurance, real estate, and business services sector there was 6.62% increase in business confidence.
The report said that the slashing of the interest rate implies a cheaper cost of credit and improved economic conditions.