The study, carried out quarterly by the bank in association with the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, a network of 7,500 company owners in 38 countries, found 78% of entrepreneurs in Asia-Pacific believe the economy will improve in the coming quarter.
Those in the US were most pessimistic, with only 42% expecting growth in the next three months.
Globally, 52% of respondents believed the economy in their country would improve in the next quarter, compared to 34% in the previous survey.
Furthermore, some 70% expected to increase headcount in their companies in the next 12 months, while 59% had seen profits rise in the past quarter compared to 37% the last time they were surveyed.
The survey was conducted with members of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, more than 1,200 of whom took part. According to Standard Chartered, average annual revenue in the businesses of survey respondents is US$18.5m and each has some 191 employees.
Shayne Nelson, Standard Chartered chief executive and global head of its private bank, said: “Sentiment among entrepreneurs is a good indicator of economic vitality on the ground.
“While the overall world economy is recovering from the financial crisis, the growth momentum is strong in emerging markets, especially in Asia, which contrasts with the mood in the West. The survey confirms what we hear from our entrepreneur clients – they are optimistic about Asia.”
