In brief
The Department of Statistics’ latest survey indicates that 15% of Singapore’s services firms anticipate better business conditions between October 2026 and March 2027, with 21% optimistic and 6% pessimistic. All service sectors foresee improvement, and 16% expect operating revenue to rise in the last quarter of 2026. The data reflects a cautiously positive sentiment among Singapore’s service industry amid global economic trends.
The Singapore Department of Statistics released a business expectations survey on Monday, reporting that the services sector anticipates a positive shift in conditions from October 2026 to March 2027. According to the survey, a net weighted balance of 15% of firms expect a favorable outlook for the six‑month period, 21% are optimistic about business conditions, and 6% foresee a weaker climate.
All industries counted within the services sector signaled improvement. The survey, compiled by statistical officials, did not differentiate by subsector in its overall statement, but confirmed that no industry stands out as contrary to the aggregate view.
Financial performance forecasts were also included in the survey. A net weighted balance of 16% of firms expect their operating revenue to rise in the last quarter of 2026, the same period that precedes the optimistic window noted for future conditions.
While the report highlights a generally positive outlook, it also underscores that a majority of firms (79%) neither express a strongly optimistic nor a strongly pessimistic stance. The 6% of firms that anticipate a weaker situation represent a minority of the sample, indicating that skepticism remains limited in the services economy.
The Department of Statistics’ methodology, as described in the accompanying statement, relied on a weighted average of responses across participating firms. The weighting was intended to reflect relative firm size and segment importance, though no detailed breakdown of weights was published at the time of release.