The expectations of businessmen in La Plata show ambivalent behavior. The Business Expectations Index, compiled by UNLP’s School of Economics’ Sector and Regional Development Institute, showed a 2% quarter-over-quarter improvement in October, but also a 9% decline compared to the same month in 2024.
This contrast reaffirms a feature that surprises experts. Despite the 11 consecutive quarters of declining sales, the general assessment of the economic scenario has maintained a certain level of stability, but we are starting to see more clear brakes on investment decisions.
This study shows that investment is the most aggravating variable. Its performance is at the same level as the general index, which means a decline in items that have historically performed above average.
Concerns about a lack of demand continue to prevail among retailers and hospitality entrepreneurs, even though inflation is no longer the most important obstacle they face. Just 27% cited this issue as a problem in October, significantly lower than the 67% who mentioned it two years ago. On the other hand, mentions of the cost of public services and tax pressures also increased.
Expectations related to sales, although more volatile, remain in a positive balance. 47% of respondents expect an increase in the next quarter, and 8% expect a decrease. The net difference remains in good territory, but has decreased compared to the prior period.
In any case, sales continue to exceed the index’s general level, confirming the weight of consumption in the city’s economic activity.
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