Business sentiment among Hong Kong's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in September remained in contractionary territory despite showing an improvement from August.

The current diffusion index on business receipts among SMEs rose to 43.8 in September from 42.3 in August, while the outlook index for October stood at 47.2, data released by the city's Census and Statistics Department said on Monday.

Real estate improved to 47.1 from 43.9, retail trade to 42.8 from 41.1, and logistics to 42.2 from 40.5.

The current diffusion index on new orders for the import and export trades jumped to 46.5 in September from 44.2 in August, with an outlook of 47.3 for October.

A government official stated that business sentiment among SMEs and their outlook improved in September, with the overall employment situation being stable.

Looking ahead, the resilient local economy and growth in other Asian economies will support business sentiment in Hong Kong, the spokesperson added.