In the current analysis of HCIC’s Institute of Economic and Enterprise Research (IEER) the focus is on the financial situation of businesses, specifically with regard to revenue expectations, financial reserves, circular debt, necessity to use external financial sources, and terms of taking out loans. Data were recorded during the business cycle survey conducted between 1 October and 31 October 2020, with the participation of 3142 companies active in Hungary. The survey took place before the introduction of second wave coronavirus-related restrictions, therefore the abatement of the first wave greatly influenced the outcome – optimistic expectations characterised the resulting business climate index.