Beirut Traders Association (BTA) and Bankmed release the results of “Beirut Traders Association – Bankmed Investment Index” for the first quarter of 2016 Beirut, June…., 2016: Beirut Traders Association and Bankmed released the results of “Beirut Traders Association – Bankmed Investment Index,” for the first quarter of 2016. The index, which is backed by the technical support of the Central Administration of Statistics in Lebanon, aims at assessing the reality of the wholesale sector in Lebanon. The index reflects the investment climate in Lebanon, shedding light on the commercial activity and overall economic situation. The results for the first quarter of 2016 indicate a continued deterioration in the “Turnover Component.” However, the “Intention to Invest Component” was characterized by some positivity, revealing the steadfastness of the Lebanese traders, who expressed no intention to decrease investment despite the decline witnessed in most wholesale sectors. The “Turnover Component,” which tackles the activity during the quarter under study, recorded a nominal decline amounting to (- 3.8% )in comparison with the first quarter of 2015. This drop is attributed to the continued domestic and regional conditions, which are impacting the purchasing power of domestic consumers. The figure also reflects the deteriorating activity in most wholesale sectors during the first quarter. According to the published results, the Wholesale Sector of Grains and Agricultural Products, Wholesale of Electrical Engines and Transformers, as well as the Wholesale Sector of Liquid Fuels witnessed some improvement in their wholesale activity. On the other hand, the Wholesale Sector of Pastry, Chocolate, Sweets, and Kernels, Wholesale Sector of Electrical & Electronics Parts and Equipment, as well as the Wholesale Sector of Phones and Communication Equipment witnessed a notable decline in their wholesale activity. With respect to the “Intention to Invest Component,” the computed results reveal that most sectors have shown imperturbability in the face of the prevailing situation. In this regard, most wholesalers revealed an intention to increase their investment in the upcoming period in an aim to restore vitality within their institutions once signs of improvements appear in the horizon. The “BTA – Bankmed Investment Index” has become an important indicator of the activity in the commercial sector as it assists the caretakers in making educated decisions in their future investments. Downlaod (Q1 - 2016) Index in English and Arabic language.

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