For starters, the problem: Fewer new businesses means fewer new jobs

A recent front-page story in USA Today should have grabbed the attention of anyone concerned about economic growth and job creation. The headline? “Weakest startups since early ’90s.” USA Today reported that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 12-month period ending in March 2011 experienced the slowest new business startups over 12 months […]

Health reform likely headed to high court

After a three-judge federal panel heard arguments by the National Federation of Independent Business and 26 states that President Barack Obama’s health reform law violates the Constitution, one major newspaper columnist wrote he’d almost “bet the house” the lawsuit will wind up in the U.S. Supreme Court. We at NFIB are encouraged, too, because our […]

Leading index rises

A monthly index forecasting future economic activity in the United States rebounded in May to continue to signal expanding, albeit “choppy,” conditions. “Modest economic growth is being buffeted by some strong headwinds, including high gas and food prices and a soft housing market. The economy will likely continue to grow through the summer and fall, […]

Small business optimism index reflects recession, not recovery

A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated for a third straight month, a trend that reflects recession rather than recovery. “Corporate profits may be at a record high, but businesses on Main Street are still scraping by,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist for the National Federation of Independent Business. The NFIB […]

Labor index drops

An index tracking labor trends has declined for two straight months. The Conference Board reported that its Employment Trends Index slipped four-tenths to 99.7 in May. The index remains 5.3 percent higher than a year ago, though. “We expect modest job growth to continue, but it’s becoming clear that employers are reacting to the growing […]