Hong Kong's SME business sentiment slowed slightly in September; the current directional index for SME business receipts fell to 43.7.

The Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government today (October 9) released the results of the monthly survey on the business situation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for September 2026. The current directional index for SME business receipts fell from 44.1 in August 2026, which was in the contractionary zone, to 43.7 in September 2026, while the outlook directional index for business receipts for the coming month (i.e. October 2026) was 47.4. Analysed by industry, the current directional index for business receipts of some of the industries covered by the survey fell in September 2026 compared with the previous month, particularly for the real estate industry (from 48.5 to 45.4) and the catering industry (from 44.0 to 41.3). The current directional index for new orders in the import and export trade industry fell from 44.8 in August 2026 to 44.3 in September 2026, while the outlook directional index for new orders for the coming month (i.e. October 2026) was 47.7. A spokesman for the Hong Kong SAR Government said that the business sentiment of SMEs slowed slightly in September. The current directional index for SME business receipts declined marginally compared with the previous month, while the outlook directional index remained relatively stable, with the import and export trade, retail and wholesale industries recording improvement. The directional index for overall employment also improved slightly. Looking ahead, the continued steady growth of the Hong Kong economy should support business confidence, although persistent uncertainties in the external environment may still affect short-term sentiment. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.