Mesa County jobless rate retreats to near record low

Phil Castle, The Business Times The monthly unemployment rate has dropped in Mesa County to its lowest level in more than three years as business openings and expansions put more people to work. But the near record-low jobless rate constitutes a proverbial double-edged sword in also making it more challenging for businesses to recruit and […]

Survey: CEOs less confident about U.S. economy

A quarterly measure of confidence among business executives in the United States retreated on more pessimistic economic expectations. The Conference Board reported the Measure of CEO Confidence fell a point to 42 for the second quarter. A reading below 50 reflects more negative than positive responses from the 139 executives who answered the survey upon […]

Index: Small business owners shaken, not stirred

A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners continues to decrease even as concerns increase over sales, earnings and vacant job openings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.1 points to 89 in April. The index has remain below its nearly 50-year average reading of 98 for […]

Index: Consumer expectations not so great

A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined on less upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 2.7 points to 101.3 in April. A component of the index tracking consumer assessments of current conditions increased. But a component tracking their short-term outlook decreased and remains at […]

Index: Small business owners less confidence

A measure of confidence among small business owners has declined on less upbeat expectations for sales, hiring and other factors. The Federation of Independent Business reported its Small Business Optimism Index fell eight-tenths of a point to 90.1 in March. The index has remained below its historical average of 98 for 15 consecutive months. “Small […]

Index: Consumers slightly more confident

A measure of consumer confidence has edged up on more upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions, but still reflects concerns over inflation and the possibility of recession. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index rose eight-tenths of a point to 104.2 in March. A component of the index tracking the short-term outlook increased, […]

Consumer Confidence Index retreats

A measure of consumer confidence continues to decline on less upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported its Consumer Confidence Index fell 3.1 points to 102.9 in February. A component of the CCI based on assessments of current conditions climbed 1.7 points to 152.8 But a component based on the short-term […]

Small business index rises, but concerns persist

A measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but concerns persist over inflation, labor shortages and other challenges. “Small business owners remain doubtful that business conditions will get better in the coming months. They continue to struggle with historic inflation and labor shortages that are holding back growth,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist […]

Small Business Optimism Index declines

A measure of optimism among small business owners has declined on less upbeat expectations for the economy, sales and earnings. “Overall, small business owners are not optimistic about 2023 as sales and business conditions are expected to deteriorate,” said Bill Dunkelberg, chief economist of the National Federation of Independent Business. The NFIB reported its Small […]

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