Business sentiment low for the first time in five years and nine months Concern of impact of new virus 10:32 on March 12
According to the Corporate Business Outlook Survey conducted by the Ministry of Finance, etc., the index showing business sentiment from January to this month was minus 10.1 for large companies. Due to concerns about the effects of the spread of the new coronavirus, the index was the lowest in five years and nine months.
The Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Office conducted a corporate economic forecast survey every three months for companies with capital of 10 million yen or more, and this time we received responses from more than 11,000 companies.
According to this, the index of the company's perception of the economy from January to this month was minus 10.1 for large companies minus 2 for those who answered "down" from the ratio of "up". It has been negative for the consecutive year.
This was the lowest level in five years and nine months since the survey from April to June 2014, immediately after the last time the consumption tax rate was raised.
According to the survey, the number of customers decreased in the lodging and eating and drinking businesses due to the spread of the new coronavirus, and the slowdown in logistics in the wholesale business.
In addition, the index showing business sentiment of SMEs was minus 25.3, the lowest level since the survey from April to June 2011 immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
According to the Ministry of Finance, "The business sentiment for the future after next month has been negative due to the spread of infection, and we want to closely watch the trend."