A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners remains high on improving expectations for capital spending and sales. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index edged up a tenth of a point to 105.3 in August. “This is a sign of economic health that we’ve been expecting based […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has rebounded on more upbeat expectations for the economy as well as sales and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.6 points to 105.2. “Strong consumer demand is boosting small business optimism,” said Juanita Duggan, president and […]
Payroll gains have topped 200,000 for a second consecutive month as job growth continues in the United States. According to Labor Department estimates, nonfarm payrolls grew 209,000 in July with hiring spread across a number of industry sectors. That follows an even bigger increase of 231,000 in June. The unemployment rate edged down a tenth […]
Employment is expected to continue to grow in Colorado through 2017 based on the latest analysis of business filings in the state. “New entity filing continued an upward trajectory, which is good news for our state,” said Wayne Williams, secretary of state. The Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado at Boulder prepares […]
A monthly index forecasting economic conditions in the United States has increased, signaling growth in the months ahead. The Conference Board reported that its Leading Economic Index (LEI) advanced six-tenths of a percent to 127.8 in June. Separate measures of current and past economic performance both rose two-tenths of a percent. “The U.S. LEI rose […]
A monthly measure of confidence among small business owners has slipped on less upbeat expectations for the economy as well as sales and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell nine-tenths of a point to 103.6 in June. “The index remains at a historically high level, but […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times Western Colorado employers expect to increase wages proportionally less than employers in other areas of the state, according to the latest results of an annual compensation survey. West Slope employers responding to a survey conducted by the Mountain States Employers Council projected an average pay increase of 2.4 percent for […]
A monthly index tracking optimism among small business owners remains unchanged, but at an historically high level. The National Federation of Independent Business reported its Index of Small Business Optimism held steady at 104.5 for May. “The remarkable surge in optimism that began last year right after the election shows no signs of slowing down,” […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The pace of real estate activity in Mesa County accelerated in May to its highest level in more than six years with gains in sales, dollar volume and median pricing. “It’s wonderfully surprising,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. Annette Miller, senior vice […]
A measure of consumer confidence has dropped for a second straight month, but still reflects optimism the United States economy will continue to grow. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index dropped 1.5 points to 117.9 in May. The index has retreated 5.8 points from what in March was its highest reading since […]