Optimism among B.C.’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) edged down in June, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)’s monthly Business Barometer report.
The report found that B.C.’s business confidence slid two points to 71.0 from 73.0 in May.While the B.C. slide is in line with a national trend, which saw business confidence across the country slide to 66.3 in June from 66.9 in May, B.C. remains one of the more optimistic provinces.
Alberta is leading the country in business confidence at 76.2 on the index in June, followed by Newfoundland and Labrador at 72.4 and then B.C. and Manitoba tied at 71.0. Lowest levels of business confidence were registered in P.E.I., (57.1), New Brunswick (62.7) and Nova Scotian (63.5).
CFIB vice-president and chief economist Ted Mallett said the national slide in business confidence should be viewed in the context of last year’s results.
“Although a negative result, the index and other indicators of business performance from our monthly survey are in line with June 2010 levels,” he said in a press release. “Shorter-term perspectives on business performance and hiring three or four months ahead are also settling a bit. However, these changes are not unusual for this time of year.”
Jenny Wagler
Twitter: JennyWagler_BIV