Global economic confidence dipped back in Q2 2019, partially reversing the bounce seen for the first time in a year in Q1 2019, finds the latest Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) from ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants).

 

The global poll of 1,162 accountants shows that confidence remains above the record low reached at the end of 2018, consistent with a modest global economic slowdown.

 

The global orders index – a lead indicator of activity – also fell in Q2 and is consistent with this view. Significantly, global cost pressures eased again, with 45% of respondents citing this as an issue, down from 55% a year ago.

 

Sentiment in the US and China revealed high levels of uncertainty, with the US results showing a sharp fall in confidence to the lowest level in eight years, largely due to trade tensions as tariffs were increased to 25% on a range of Chinese imports. The orders index points to a slowdown in US growth through the second half, but no recession.

 

Chinese data indicates a weakening picture with significant falls in confidence and orders in the quarter. The short term outlook is relatively weak with data so far this year showing falling imports and anaemic industrial output.

 

Confidence in the UK economy also fell back from Q1 but not to the low levels of Q4 2018. The message from the GECS continues to be moderate growth, restrained especially by stagnant business investment spending, hampered by Brexit uncertainty UK growth this year is on course to be around 1% while the prospects for next year depend heavily on the Brexit outcome.

 

Michael Taylor, chief economist at ACCA says: ‘The GECS points to a slowing global economy with significant downside risks reflected in weak confidence. The biggest risk to the global economy remains a significant further escalation in the US-China trade war. A sharp slowdown in China and a no deal Brexit are additional downside risks.’

 

Raef Lawson, Ph.D., CMA, CPA, IMA vice president of research and policy stated: ‘The US economy is slowing and uncertainty is high as shown in the latest GECS with elevated trade tensions a major factor. But the Federal Reserve is very likely to cut interest rates later this month, helping to sustain the economic expansion, which has now lasted uninterrupted for 10 years.’

 

The GECS concludes with a view of the outlook for global growth, which this year remains a slowdown to between 3% and 3.5% from 3.8% last year. The good news is that persistent sub-target inflation, notably in the US and euro area, gives central banks the opportunity to ease monetary policy.

 

The full GECS for Q2 2019 is available at this link: https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/professional-insights/global-economics/gecs-report-q2-2019.html

 

 

 

For media enquiries:

 

Helen Thompson, ACCA

E: Helen.Thompson@accaglobal.com

T: +44 (0)20 7059 5759

M: +44 (0)7725 498 654 

Twitter @ACCANews

 

Giuseppe Barone, IMA

(201) 474-1681

 

 

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

 

ACCA supports its 219,000 members and 527,000 students (including affiliates) in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide and 328 approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development.

 

Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

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Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com

 

 

IMA®, named the 2017 and 2018 Professional Body of the Year by The Accountant/International Accounting Bulletin, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) and CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) programs, continuing education, networking and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 125,000 members in 150 countries and 300 professional and student chapters. Headquartered in Montvale, N.J., USA, IMA provides localized services through its four global regions: The Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe, and Middle East/India. For more information about IMA, please visit www.imanet.org.