不到一半的新西兰企业领袖对自身业绩持乐观态度，本季度改善预期滑落至历史最低水平。
Fewer than half of New Zealand business leaders feel positive about their own performance, with expectations for improvement sliding to a record low this quarter.
新西兰商业信心进一步削弱，据本周发布的最新调查结果显示，不到一半的企业对自身交易表现持积极看法。未来一年改善预期已降至有记录以来的最低水平。
Business confidence in New Zealand has weakened further, with fewer than half of firms reporting a positive outlook on their own trading performance, according to new survey findings released this week. Expectations for improvement over the coming year have slipped to their lowest level since records began.
企业领袖指出，持续的经济不确定性、疲软的消费支出和持续的成本压力是导致气氛低迷的原因，尽管头条通胀已从早前的高点回落。小型企业面临特别艰难的经营环境，今年已有多家知名企业倒闭，引发头条新闻。
Business leaders cite ongoing economic uncertainty, soft consumer spending and persistent cost pressures as reasons for the subdued mood, even though headline inflation has eased from its earlier peaks. Smaller firms report a particularly difficult operating environment, with several notable closures already making headlines this year.
疲软的读数使试图在支持增长与重新点燃价格压力的风险之间取得平衡的决策者面临更复杂的局面。商业团体呼吁制定更清晰、更长期的政策设置，以便企业能更有信心地规划投资和招聘决策。
The weak reading complicates matters for policymakers trying to balance support for growth against the risk of reigniting price pressures. Business groups are calling for clearer, longer-term policy settings that would let firms plan their investment and hiring decisions with greater confidence.