The latest Moore Thrive Index shows that mid-market businesses remain optimistic overall, but confidence varies significantly across regions. While many companies continue investing in digital transformation and talent, others are taking a more cautious approach due to rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and slower economic growth.
The study surveyed 2,425 business leaders across 17 countries, assessing performance over the past year and expectations for the year ahead across five key areas: overall business performance, revenue, costs, labour market and investment.
Cost pressures remain the main challenge globally, particularly higher energy, fuel, logistics and labour costs. Despite this, businesses continue investing to strengthen resilience and competitiveness.
Among the 17 countries surveyed, South Africa recorded the highest overall Thrive Index score (+47.6), followed by Saudi Arabia (+46.2) and the United Arab Emirates (+44.5). These markets reported strong business confidence, supported by investment activity, labour market optimism and digital transformation.
India (+44.1), the United States (+40.6), China (+39.5), Australia (+36.9) and Brazil (+36.8) also performed above the global average of +35.1.
European businesses remained more cautious. The Czech Republic posted the strongest result in Europe (+32.6), while Belgium (+12.0) recorded the lowest score among all participating countries. Across much of Europe, businesses continue to face pressure from inflation, labour costs, energy prices and slower economic growth.
Overall, the research highlights a global business landscape where companies continue to move forward—but at different speeds depending on local economic conditions and market confidence.
Read the original article on the Moore Global website: https://www.moore-global.com/intelligence/global-business-moving-forward-in-different-gears/
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