The volume of business and output in most sectors is expected to fall in the fourth quarter, according to the Census & Statistics Department's quarterly business tendency survey.

Most surveyed sectors expect their business situation to be worse, with significantly more respondents in the restaurants and hotels, and banks, financing and insurance sectors anticipating a dimmer outlook.

Respondents in most surveyed sectors � in particular in real estate development, leasing and maintenance management services in the real estate sector - expect employment to increase.

More respondents engaged in real estate brokerage and agency and other services in the real estate sector have a less optimistic outlook on their number of employees. 

More respondents in the restaurants and hotels sector expect their price of food provided and charge for services rendered to increase.