Cuiabá trade confidence remains in satisfaction zone despite monthly dip

The Trade Entrepreneur Confidence Index (Icec) in Cuiabá recorded 103 points in August, remaining within the satisfaction zone despite a 2.3% monthly decline compared to July. While the index fell across all sub-indices—including current conditions (-3.7%), expectations (-2.7%), and investment (-0.7%)—it represents a 6.6% improvement compared to August of the previous year.

Business sentiment is characterized by a sense of moderate optimism mixed with caution. Although 73.4% of entrepreneurs believe the current Brazilian economic conditions have worsened and 65.5% see a decline in sector conditions, there is a notable intention to expand hiring. Approximately 62.5% of merchants plan to increase their workforce, up from 57.3% in July.

Sebastião Gonçalves, president of Fecomércio-MT, noted that the contrast between high expectations and investment levels falling below the confidence line reveals a posture of “moderate optimism.” While the business environment is more favorable than in the previous year, the contraction in investments remains a point of concern.