Introduction

The financial services sector recorded the highest overall confidence among the six industries covered in the latest Moore Thrive Index, outperforming the global average despite persistent cost pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.

With an overall Index score of +41.6, compared to the global average of +35.1, financial services demonstrated stronger-than-average performance across four of the five core pillars of the Index: business performance, revenue, investment and the labour market. Continued investment in artificial intelligence, fintech platforms and digital technologies is helping firms improve efficiency, reduce fraud risks and create new opportunities for growth.

The latest analysis also highlights varying levels of confidence across other major service industries. Media & entertainment performed above the global average over the past year, although future growth expectations have moderated. Hotel & leisure and retail remained resilient despite increasing caution around hiring and consumer spending, while retail businesses remain optimistic that productivity improvements will support future performance.

Food & agriculture and maritime were the weakest-performing sectors. Both continue to face significant challenges from geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruption and rising energy costs. Nevertheless, food and agriculture businesses continue investing in digital technologies to improve productivity, while shipping companies remain focused on adapting to changing global trade conditions.

Moore’s Thrive Index is a bespoke research project that measures business sentiment and performance among mid-market companies from 17 international markets. It combines data and insight from 2,425 companies, capturing their experience in the past year and gauging their confidence in the future.

Read the original article on the Moore Global website: https://www.moore-global.com/intelligence/financial-services-leads-on-confidence-as-all-sectors-face-rising-costs/

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