71 pc businesses in India optimistic about economy: Thornton

Majority of businesses in India are optimistic about the domestic economy and hopes for a strong start in 2013, says a survey.

According to the Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), 71 per cent of businesses in India indicated optimism for their economy, well ahead of the global average which stood at just 4 per cent.

"Global economic scenario and certain inherent domestic risks notwithstanding, the Indian economy, on the back of positive measures such as policy changes, mega project clearances, regulation implementation and anticipated interest rate reduction is poised to grow at an accelerated growth trajectory," Grant Thornton India Partner Munesh Khanna said.

The survey further said increased revenue is the key indicator for increased optimism (85 per cent) among Indian businesses followed by employment opportunities (84 per cent) and profitability (71 per cent).

The IBR report further said that global business optimism stands at just 4 per cent heading into the New Year.

"This halts a rally in confidence seen in the first half of 2012, when global business optimism reached 23 per cent, and brings it nearer to the zero per cent level observed this time last year," Grant Thornton said.

Economic uncertainty caused by concerns over the United States 'fiscal cliff' and ongoing fears over the long-term viability of eurozone is dampening growth prospects, the survey which covered 3,200 business leaders in 44 economies said.

United Arab emirates tops the business optimism league table, wherein 88 per cent of businesses indicated optimism for their economy, followed by Peru (86 per cent), Gorgia (84 per cent), Chile (82 per cent), Mexico (78 per cent), Brazil (77 per cent), Philippines (72 per cent), India (71 per cent) and Norway (60 per cent).

Meanwhile, business optimism in the emerging markets of Latin America remained relatively stable over the last year, and actually increased to 69 per cent in Q4, up from 61 per cent this time last year.

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