Small business owners remain cautious about the coming year even as they feel their concerns remain unaddressed in the midst of a presidential election, according to the latest results of a quarterly survey. The Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index retreated three points to 64 for the second quarter, matching the level a year ago. “During […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has increased, but still reflects concerns over the economy and difficulty filling job openings. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index rose a point to 93.6 in April. The index remains below its historical average of 98, though. “Despite a […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has dropped on less upbeat expectations for improving business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index retreated 1.9 points to 94.2 in April. A component of the index tracking consumer assessments of current conditions increased. But another component of the index tracking short-term expectations […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners remains at its lowest level in two years on less upbeat expectations for earnings, inventories and hiring. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell three-tenths of a point to 92.6 in March to retreat farther below its historical average […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has rebounded on more slightly upbeat expectations for business and labor conditions. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index climbed 2.2 points to 96.2 in March. Still, the gain doesn’t fully offset a decline the month before. “Consumers’ assessments of current conditions posted a moderate decline, while […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times The unemployment rate in Mesa County has begun to retreat as seasonal hiring increases along with spring temperatures. But the outlook is tempered by a downturn in energy development that also affects support services. Curtis Englehart, manager of the Mesa County Workforce Center in Grand Junction, offered a mix of […]
A monthly measure of consumer confidence has declined as concerns mount over current business and labor conditions as well as the prospects for the near future. Economic growth is expected to continue nonetheless. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index retreated 5.6 points to 92.2 in February. “Consumers’ assessments of current conditions weakened, […]
Job growth continues in the United States even as the unemployment rate slipped below 5 percent for the first time in nearly eight years. According to the latest Labor Department Estimates, nonfarm payrolls increased 151,000 in January with gains spread across several industry sectors. The unemployment rate edged down a tenth of a point to […]
A monthly measure of optimism among small business owners has retreated on less upbeat expectations for economic conditions, hiring and sales. The National Federation of Independent Business reported that its Small Business Optimism Index fell 1.3 points to 93.9 in January. The index remains well below its historical average of 98. “Neither the tumultuous stock […]
Phil Castle, The Business Times While wintry weather typically cools real estate activity, the Mesa County market continued to heat up during January with a year-over-year increase in transactions. “You’d think the grass was green and the birds were singing,” said Robert Bray, chief executive officer of Bray Real Estate in Grand Junction. It’s a […]