Business confidence in Hong Kong rose to 5 in the fourth quarter of 2026, its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2023, and up from -4 in the previous quarter. This was the first positive reading after ten consecutive quarters of pessimism, reflecting improved sentiment across most sectors. The share of respondents expecting better business conditions increased to 14%, compared with 10% in the preceding quarter.
Optimism was particularly strong in accommodation and catering services (19 vs. -9), and sentiment also turned positive in import and export trade and wholesale (8 vs. -9) and retail (5 vs. -2). Confidence improved to a neutral level in information and communications (0 vs. -7) and real estate (0 vs. -11). Pessimism eased in professional and business services (-4 vs. -10), while sentiment in transportation, warehousing and express delivery services edged up slightly (-14 vs. -15). In contrast, confidence in manufacturing weakened, slipping to 0 from 5 in the previous quarter.
