By Melania Watson
Publication Date: 2025-11-26 23:12:00
Small and medium-sized businesses across Australia and New Zealand are entering the holiday shopping season with high levels of economic confidence compared to business owners in other regions, despite ongoing financial pressures and uncertainties surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing.
Economic sentiment
The majority of SMEs in the region expressed confidence in the economy at the end of the year. According to recent survey results, 67 percent said they were somewhat or very confident, the highest among regions surveyed, which included the U.S., U.K. and Canada.
However, the biggest concerns remain. The most frequently cited financial burdens are the rising cost of goods (50 percent), unpredictability of cash flow (41 percent) and declining sales (27 percent).
“We face a busy period and whilst owners are confident, it is important that shoppers and customers across the region continue to support their local…
