The outlook for business in the approaching March quarter remains bleak, with inflationary pressure and suppressed sales and profits outlooks persisting despite recent falls in fuel prices according to the latest Dun & Bradstreet Business Expectations Survey.
The results for November indicate that over half of executives are expecting to have to raise prices in the first quarter of 2007 in anticipation of reduced profits.
The expectations of pre-Christmas spending have improved slightly, however only 8% of executives are expecting a positive affect of the Christmas trading period on their business.
According to Dun & Bradstreet CEO Christine Christiansen, businesses are in for an uncertain first quarter. "Retailers and wholesalers will feel increased pressure throughout the festive season, with profits and sales expectations low" she said.
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