06:13 AM EST, 11/21/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Canadian businesses reported a better outlook in November, according to the CFIB, said Bank of Montreal (BMO).

The three-month outlook moved higher again to just under 50 -- effectively neutral -- on a seasonally-adjusted basis, noted the bank. The longer-term outlook jumped to net improvement territory.

These outlooks, published on Thursday, are still consistent with below-potential growth, but they are at least moving in the right direction, stated BMO.

One note is that the federal budget was tabled on Nov. 4, and this survey was conducted in the subsequent week, pointed out the bank.

It's possible that the pro-growth tone of that document was received relatively well in the business community, it added.

Ultimately, Canada will still need certainty on the trade file with the United States to really let businesses run with capital spending and hiring programs -- where plans remain very muted, according to the bank. If Canada can somehow get that in the months ahead, alongside lower rates and fiscal stimulus, the Canadian economy could turn the corner.