The first quarter of 2022 indices of business and consumers, has shown little significant change, over the preceding fourth quarter, of the 2021 period.

This reflects relative stability in economic expectations, by both firms and individuals.

This stability is deemed a positive development, as the nation prepares to adjust to the initiatives, to fully re-open the economy and emerge from the Covid-19 era.

This overall perspective was a key outcome, from yesterday‘s release of the quarterly indices by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce’s conference board, staged virtually, in partnership with the National Commercial Bank capital markets, and the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

Executive chairman of Market Research Services limited, Don Anderson, said consumers are optimistic, that their individual economic prospects will improve, as the economy opens up, and as more job opportunities are created.

At 157 points, the overall index remains below the pre-pandemic level of 170 points, but is nonetheless, 30 percent higher, than the corresponding period in 2021.

The index of business confidence has moved from 115.2 points, at the end of the first quarter of 2021, to 131.1 points, at the end of the first quarter of 2022.

Mr. Anderson pointed out, that a number of sectors and industries, anticipated significant increases, in their capital expenditures, over the short term.