+14.3 on previous index reading
At 88.9 in April 2021, the Business Pulse was 14.3 higher than last month and up 59.3 on a year ago. The improvement in sentiment was broad based, with all four sectoral Pulses – industry, services, retail and construction – posting higher readings this month amid a modest easing of public health restrictions and the expectation of more to come. Some 53% of firms are anticipating a pick-up in business activity in the near term, while almost a quarter expect to employ more people. Three in ten also indicated that they are planning on increasing basic pay over the next 12 months, though the majority are set to stay on hold for the time being as they focus on restoring profitability.
