Central Mass. business confidence grows optimistic, as the state’s falls to five-year low
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Business confidence in Central Massachusetts rose in March.
The Central Massachusetts Business Confidence Index defied the state’s broader trend in March, stepping back into optimistic territory while all other regions sank further into pessimism.
Central Massachusetts’ BCI gained 4.4 points last month to a score of 52.3. The region only spent one month in pessimistic territory, as February’s score of 47.9 was the result of a nearly 10 point drop from 57.2 in January, according to the trade group Associated Industries of Massachusetts, which compiles the index.
The region’s upward stretch was an anomaly for March, as the state’s overall business confidence fell to its lowest point since July 2020, scoring 46.0.
The AIM index pulls from a survey of more than 140 Massachusetts employers and is scored on a 100-point scale; a score of above 50 represents an optimistic outlook and a score below 50 represents a pessimistic outlook.
The Western Massachusetts Business Confidence Index experienced the greatest drop in regional sentiment of the three Massachusetts areas analyzed by AIM, falling 9.6 points to 38.8 last month.
March’s North Shore Confidence Index fell further into pessimistic territory, though its score saw a smaller drop than both statewide and in Western Massachusetts as its BCI sank 2.3 points to 48.5.
The state’s overall decline in business confidence is attributed majorly to uncertainty surrounding the President Donald Trump Administration’s threats to impose increased tariffs on all countries when the surveys were taken, according to AIM
On Wednesday, the Trump Administration announced a 90-day suspension on reciprocal tariffs except those targeting China, which it stated would be raised to 125%. On Thursday, the administration raised that figure to 145% and Friday, China requited, announcing that it would raise its tariffs on the U.S. to 125%.
Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the healthcare and diversity, equity, and inclusion industries.
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