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In the spring Business Outlook Survey, lower oil prices continue to dampen the overall sales outlook of firms, weighing on investment and hiring intentions. However, a majority of businesses are benefiting from the strong economic outlook in the United States and the boost in competitiveness from the weaker Canadian dollar.

The winter Business Outlook Survey continues to provide signs of strengthening demand, especially among export-oriented firms and manufacturers. However, the outlook for businesses that are linked directly or indirectly to the energy sector has deteriorated.

The autumn Business Outlook Survey shows that businesses, mainly exporters, see signs of modestly firmer demand. However, this has not led to a notable strengthening in investment intentions for the next 12 months.

The summer Business Outlook Survey continues to offer some encouraging signs for the economic outlook, although lingering uncertainty amid intense competition still hinders the pace of growth.

The spring Business Outlook Survey offers encouraging signs for the economic outlook, although responses indicate that headwinds from intense competition and domestic uncertainty persist.

The winter Business Outlook Survey provides some positive signs for the economic outlook, notably for exports and investment, although responses do not yet appear to suggest a significant strengthening. For many businesses, weak demand and domestic uncertainty continue to temper sales expectations and expansion plans.

Weak demand and uncertainty regarding future demand continue to weigh on firms’ investment decisions and near-term capacity planning, according to responses to the autumn survey.

Responses to the summer survey provide further indications that uncertainty regarding the nature and timing of a notable improvement in growth prospects is bearing on firms’ expectations and investment decisions.

Taken together, responses to the spring survey indicate that, following a recent slowing in economic activity, firms expect business conditions to remain challenging over the next 12 months.

While some forward-looking indicators have moved up, many firms cited concerns about demand over next year and pressures from increased competition.